Islamabad Police have received ‘net launchers’ as part of security preparations for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march on the capital on September 27.
The equipment will allow police to fire a mesh net at individuals and restrain them without using lethal force, according to a police statement.
A video released with the statement shows a police official demonstrating the device. The launcher fires a net towards a person, restricting their movement and making it harder for them to counter police action.
The federal government provided the equipment to Islamabad Police while officials said that it may be used for the first time if PTI protesters reach the capital.
The move comes as authorities have increased security measures ahead of the PTI march, which the party plans to hold to demand the release of its founder Imran Khan and the supremacy of the Constitution.
Punjab’s Home Department has also asked the federal government to downgrade mobile and internet services at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock from September 27, reports have stated, citing sources. The requested areas in Rawalpindi include Brahma, Bahter, Taxila, Wah Sadar and Chakri.
The provincial government has also sought Rangers’ deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali. The request includes three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi, five wings for Attock and one company each for Jhelum and Mianwali, according to the Punjab Home Department.
Punjab has separately imposed Section 144 across the province until October 5. The restrictions prohibit gatherings of five or more people, rallies, processions, sit-ins and demonstrations in public places.
Authorities have also stepped up security in Islamabad, with major roads and entry points blocked with containers ahead of the planned march. Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in and around the capital as preparations for the September 27 protest continue.
