By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital was placed on high alert on Friday as authorities deployed thousands of security personnel and arrested scores of opposition activists, ahead of a contentious demonstration by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in Islamabad’s restricted area.
The PTI is scheduled to hold a demonstration at the Democracy Chowk (D-Chowk) in Pakistan’s capital, following up on several protests and rallies in recent weeks.
The government imposed Section 144 in Punjab for six days, banning public gatherings and processions in restricted areas, and sealing off key areas in Islamabad. Containers were placed at 24 points along roads leading to the capital, and pillion riding was banned for two days. Schools were closed and metro bus services were suspended due to potential unrest. 4
The government has deployed around 6,000 police and paramilitary personnel and placed containers at entry and exit points to prevent opposition protesters from entering Islamabad. Mobile phone services have also been suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Concerns over the protest’s timing have been raised, as the Malaysian Prime Minister is currently visiting the city. The government fears that the protest could tarnish the country’s image, particularly with foreign delegations from China and Saudi Arabia scheduled to arrive for the SCO summit on October 15 and 16.
Opposition leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Punjab Governor Saleem Haider Khan have urged the PTI to delay the protest, citing national dignity and the potential negative impact on the country’s reputation.
“We should avoid conveying a negative message,” said Rehman, leader of the opposition JUI-F party.
The PTI plans to protest Khan’s “illegal” imprisonment, the Election Commission’s delay in following a Supreme Court verdict, and to “save the Constitution.” Previous rallies sparked clashes between PTI workers and authorities.
In a crackdown on PTI workers, at least 84 were arrested in Lahore, and 439 were booked in Bahawalpur, with nine FIRs registered under Section 188 of the CrPC. Three PTI provincial lawmakers were among those arrested, including Zahid Bahar Hashmi, son-in-law of Makhdoom Javed Hashmi.
A judicial magistrate released 43 arrested activists on Thursday, but 29 workers were sent to jail on judicial remand. The PTI lawyers’ forum challenged the arrests of three PTI leaders booked under Section 16 MPO in the Lahore High Court Bahawalpur Bench.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned PTI against holding a rally in Islamabad on Friday, citing visits by foreign dignitaries, including Malaysia’s prime minister.
“The PTI is a party of Pakistan, not [some] foreign [entity]. When a head of state is present and you plan to assault Islamabad, this is completely inappropriate,” Naqvi told a press conference.
“We have to make arrangements… no lenience or second thought.” He reiterated Section 144 was imposed and a location set aside for the rally,” Naqvi said.
“I appeal to Gandapur as a sensible person and patriot to review his decision. It doesn’t suit him as provincial chief.”
“If anyone does this tomorrow, they shouldn’t expect leniency. This is a very thin line for us.”
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur vowed to attend the rally “at all costs,” saying participants would remain peaceful but respond if force was used.
“We will reach Islamabad according to the directions of Imran Khan despite violence and barricades erected to stop us,” Gandapur said in a video message. “We will remain peaceful in our movement towards Islamabad and won’t violate the law, but if they stop us or use force, then we will respond in the same manner.”
Gandapur refused to postpone the protest, saying it would only be cancelled on Imran Khan’s call. Gandapur convened a meeting of PTI leaders for consultation.
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