Islamabad's Red Zone sealed ahead of PTI protest

The Red Zone in Islamabad has once again been sealed ahead of anticipated protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

According to details, containers have been placed on roads leading to the Red Zone, with only Margalla Road remaining open for access.

Containers have also been placed at Faizabad on the Express Highway, causing long queues of vehicles. Early in the morning, citizens heading to offices and educational institutions faced significant difficulties on the roads.

Despite the restrictions, PTI's leadership remains resolute, affirming their plans to continue with rallies across Punjab as originally scheduled.

A day earlier, former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan issued a renewed call for nationwide protests. He urged supporters to stand up for the judiciary’s independence by joining rallies.

Imran Khan called for demonstrations in Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, and a major power show at D-Chowk in Islamabad this coming Friday.

Last month, 10 PTI MNAs were arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the newly implemented Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024, following a power show in Sangjani near Islamabad.

In Lahore, a PTI rally on September 21 was forcibly ended after exceeding its 6 pm deadline, with police dispersing the crowd.

Simultaneously, security was tightened significantly in Rawalpindi, with containers blocking access to PTI’s protest site at Liaquat Bagh.