Islamabad, Rawalpindi schools to remain closed due to PTI rally

Private schools in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been closed today due to anticipated 'peaceful' protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad's D-Chowk.

The Islamabad Private School Association announced the closures, citing roadblocks and safety concerns.

General Secretary of the Private School Association Waheed Khan said that student safety is their top priority.

He noted that students faced significant challenges yesterday due to the containers placed on roads to prevent movement.

In Rawalpindi, Abrar Ahmed, President of the Northern Punjab Private Schools Management Association, also declared that schools in the city will remain closed due to possible protests.

According to him, the decision was taken to ensure that roadblocks do not pose difficulties for students and staff.

Additionally, the Islamabad police spokesperson confirmed that all police facilitation centers and driving license offices will remain closed today.

Metro bus services in Rawalpindi have been suspended as well, following the directives of the district administration. The suspension will affect the route between Saddar and IJP Road, though service between IJP Road and Pak Secretariat will continue to operate.

Heavy machinery has been deployed in key areas, including Faizabad and Islamabad Expressway, where double-layer containers are being placed to block traffic. Security in Rawalpindi has been heightened, with 4,000 officers and personnel deployed to maintain order.

For the umpteenth time, the PTI 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".

Routes from K-P sealed

Authorities have sealed all major routes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with containers, effectively shutting down the M1 motorway at four key points: GT Road, Attock Khurd, Hassanabdal, and Chashma Point.

Additionally, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been blocked at several locations.

The widespread closure of entry and exit routes across the district is creating significant challenges for travellers, adding to the disruptions caused by ongoing protest preparations.