PTI set to 'slingshot' into capital

PESHAWAR:

For the umpteenth time, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is marching to the federal capital to put on a power show on Friday (today), while the party's regional chapters attempt to join the main rally from across the country.

The government is putting its best foot forward to limit the success of the latest rally on Friday (today), but PTI is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the planned mass gathering is perceived as a triumph.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chapter has completed preparations for the protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad, advising workers to carry slingshots, among other items to combat a potential teargas attack.

The convoys from the province will be led by K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Protesters will depart from Peshawar Interchange at 10 am, and from Swabi at 11am. Assembly members have been instructed to bring 500 supporters each with them.

Participants have been advised to come fully prepared, with machinery to remove obstacles in the path of the convoy.

PTI has decided to fully implement its plan for the protest at D-Chowk, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur leading the main convoy. Party leaders have instructed participants to bring slingshots, masks, salt, water, food supplies, mobile chargers, and other essential items to protect against teargas.

Equipment for removing containers, as well as ambulances, will also be part of the convoy. All party leaders have been strictly instructed to ensure their participation in the protest and to bring supporters along.

It was acknowledged by party leaders that the planning for the previous protest was inadequate. However, this time, instead of turning back midway, every effort will be made to reach Islamabad. A specialised and trained team will move ahead of the convoy, while the machinery for clearing obstacles will lead, with the main procession following behind. The K-P CM emphasised the need for discipline within the convoys and adherence to the planned strategy.

He stated that the protest is peaceful, and they do not wish for any confrontation, as the police and officials are "their brothers, and no harm will be caused".

 

Punjab stands prepared

To manage law and order and prepare for the rally at D-Chowk in Islamabad, Section 144 has been imposed for three days in Rawalpindi, Attock, and Sargodha, banning political rallies, sit-ins, and gatherings. The Metro Bus service in the Rawalpindi section will remain suspended during this time.

The Punjab government has also imposed Section 144 in Lahore for six days, besides various other districts. The order, which restricts all public gatherings, demonstrations, and protests, aims to maintain law and order, according to an official notification from the Punjab Home Department.

The notification, issued on Thursday, stated that Section 144 will remain in effect from October 3 to October 8 in Lahore. The provincial government cited security threats as the primary reason, noting that public gatherings could be targeted by terrorists. In response, authorities have prohibited all political rallies and demonstrations during this period.

Punjab police have also ramped up a crackdown on PTI leaders and supporters in various districts, arresting hundreds, including nearly 100 in Lahore alone. The police claim that many of those detained are wanted in connection with the May 9 arson attacks and the September 21 incidents. The arrests have primarily been made in areas where authorities fear protests could disrupt public order.

Additionally, police have seized dozens of shipping containers, positioning them around key locations such as Minar-e-Pakistan and at entry points to the city to block protesters from entering Lahore. Some drivers reported that law enforcement officials had detained them and confiscated their vehicle keys before releasing them on Thursday.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, during a news conference, reiterated the party's commitment to holding demonstrations in Islamabad on Friday and Lahore on Saturday. He urged the public to join the protests, calling for the restoration of the constitution, rule of law, and democracy.

Meanwhile, the federal government has tightened security in Islamabad, where foreign dignitaries are expected for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Conference.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that military and paramilitary forces will be deployed to protect the capital's Red Zone. Naqvi also warned the opposition to delay its planned protests until after October 17, stating that any attempt to disrupt peace in the capital would be dealt with strictly under the enforced Section 144.

In addition, Naqvi appealed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to reconsider the PTI's planned march on Islamabad, urging him to avoid escalating tensions in the capital. The government has made it clear that any violation of Section 144 will result in strict legal consequences.