Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Interior Ministry has banned more than 180 companies selling army uniforms and other accessories as part of security measures for Pakistan Day celebrations in Islamabad. Sensitive departments had sent a report to Interior Ministry telling it that terrorists may strike the Pakistan Day parade. In view of this report, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan has ordered foolproof security arrangements for the parade, which would be witnessed by the president, prime minister and army chief. The government has ordered closure of some 41 Islamic seminaries from March 18 to March 23. As per reports, 14 madrassas are located in the jurisdiction of Aabpara Police Station, six in Shahzad Town Police Station, three in PS Secretariat and 18 in the PS industrial area.

Directives have also been issued to all police stations to keep a close eye on all the visitors and dwellers of guesthouses, hostels, hotels and travelers’ lodges. The traffic police of Islamabad has issued a traffic plan under which Islamabad Expressway from Khanna Pul to Zero Point, Garden Avenue and road leading to Heliport and Lok Virsa would be closed for all kinds of traffic on March 23 from 6am to 1pm. Heavy traffic coming from Rawat would be diverted to Rawalpindi Mall Road, which would be turned towards Islamabad from Golra Morr, whereas the vehicles of general public would be diverted to IJP Road, Faizabad Flyover and Kashmir Highway from 9th Avenue. Section 144 has already been imposed in the federal capital under which drone cameras, remote-controlled airplanes, kites and even pigeons would be banned. The rehearsals for the Pakistan Day parade have started at the ground located near Sector H8. This year contingents of women army officers would participate in the parade for the first time.