Islamabad
Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, has been heavily fortified for a planned anti-government protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party which takes place today (Sunday). The government, anticipating unrest, has blocked multiple roads with shipping containers, deployed additional paramilitary forces, and imposed a two-month ban on public gatherings under Section 144.
As part of the security measures, 37 routes leading into Islamabad have been sealed, and six motorways have been shut down to prevent any traffic movement. The Pakistan Army has been deployed to secure the Red Zone, which includes key government buildings such as the diplomatic enclave, Parliament, the President’s house, and the SC. Additionally, mobile and internet services have been suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and public transport has been halted.
The protest comes at a sensitive time, with a 60-member delegation from Belarus scheduled to arrive in Islamabad today (Sunday) ahead of a state visit by President Aleksandr Lukashenko. PTI, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is demanding his release from prison, where he has been held for over a year on charges the party claims are politically motivated. The party is also calling for the return of the mandate lost in the Feb 8 elections and the repeal of a constitutional amendment extending the term of the Chief of Army Staff.
Punjab government has also imposed Section 144, warning PTI supporters of serious consequences if they cause disruptions. Despite these warnings, PTI has vowed to go ahead with the protest.
