The district administration on Friday suspended the Metro Bus Service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad to maintain security during rallies marking Youm-ul-Quds Himayat al Muzlimeen.
Officials said the decision was taken to ensure security as a major rally is scheduled to move from Darbar Sakhi Mehmood in Islamabad and conclude at Rawalpindi later Friday.
According to organisers, the rally will start from Darbar Sakhi Mehmood in Islamabad and conclude at Imambargah Ashiq Husain Teelli Mohallah in Rawalpindi later on Friday.
Religious scholars and mosque leaders will deliver special sermons during Friday prayer congregations highlighting the significance of the occasion before protest rallies and demonstrations take place afterwards.
After the Friday prayers, protest rallies and demonstrations are expected where participants will raise voices demanding the liberation of Al-Quds Al-Sharif during gatherings held in connection with Youm-ul-Quds.
More than 3,500 officers and personnel of Islamabad Police have been deployed across the city to provide security during the central Youm-ul-Quds rally following Friday prayers.
Deputy Inspector General Islamabad Muhammad Jawad Tariq said strict security arrangements have been put in place around mosques and imambargahs across the city, including the Faisal Mosque.
Police have tightened checking at all entry and exit points of Islamabad, while special checkpoints have also been established to monitor vehicles and maintain security during Youm-ul-Quds processions.
Police patrols are continuing across the city, while officials say the protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the police’s top priority during the ongoing security arrangements.
