PTI Islamabad protest: Red Zone routes sealed, Rangers deployed at key government buildings

Authorities in Islamabad have sealed routes to the federal capital's Red Zone and deployed Rangers at key government buildings,ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests.

Several roads in Islamabad have been blocked at various points with containers. Heavy contingents of police, FC, Punjab police, and Rangers have been deployed around D-Chowk, where containers have also been placed, Express News reported.

The Srinagar Highway is closed at Zero Point, while routes leading to Islamabad via GT Road are barricaded at T-Cross. The Expressway has been blocked on both sides at Khanna Pul and at the IA entry point. Golra Mor and routes leading to Islamabad Airport have also been sealed with containers.

Additionally, the 26-Chungi Bridge and New Margalla Road at the A-11 point are closed, while Iran Avenue at D-12 is also inaccessible. The Expressway connecting Srinagar Highway to Zero Point has been shut, along with the Faizabad route into Islamabad. Multiple points on GT Road have also been blocked.

Routes from Rawalpindi to Islamabad blocked

All routes from Rawalpindi to Islamabad have been closed on 24 November due to PTI protests. Containers have been placed at Faizabad to block access, and routes from Rawat T-Chowk to Islamabad are also sealed. The closures are causing significant inconvenience to citizens. Authorities have also shut down the Pirwadhai and Faizabad bus terminals for two days.

GT Road has been blocked at Taxila with containers. Motorway M-1 from Islamabad to Peshawar and Motorway M-2 entry from Islamabad to Lahore have been closed. Travellers on M-1 and M-2 are only allowed to exit.

Meanwhile, metro bus services in Rawalpindi have resumed, operating from Saddar Station to Faizabad.

Public transport and metro bus services suspended

Public transport and metro bus services have been suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. All bus terminals at Faizabad have been sealed off with barricades. Metro bus services between IJP Road and Pak Secretariat have been halted, with a complete suspension in the twin cities on 24 November. According to staff, the metro service was stopped on the instructions of the district administration.

Exams postponed
All exams scheduled for today at Allama Iqbal Open University have been postponed.

Hospitals on high alert

In light of the national situation, a high alert has been issued at Polyclinic Hospital, including its emergency services. All leaves for emergency staff have been cancelled, and ambulance services have been directed to remain on standby. Dr. Tanveer has been designated as the focal person, and Deputy Executive Director Dr. Abdul Wali Khan has issued an official notification.

Expressway reopened

Due to difficulties faced by citizens, the police have reopened the Expressway. Routes from Khanna Pul and Faizabad have been cleared, and containers have been removed to facilitate local residents. However, roads will be closed again upon the arrival of protesters.

Mobile phone services

Earlier, the federal government decided to partially suspend internet and mobile services in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab as a precautionary measure ahead of the PTI protest scheduled for November 24.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) also activated a firewall to slow down internet speeds and restrict access to social media content.

However, the PTA clarified that no nationwide internet shutdown has been ordered, and suspensions may occur in specific locations depending on the developments.

'PTI will break through any barriers to reach D-Chowk': PTI Secretary Information

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram has said that the party will 'break through any barriers to reach their destination at D-Chowk, and that they will not return without achieving their objective.'

Akram stated, "The Constitution gives us the right to peaceful protest, and we will not surrender under any circumstances. On November 24, the entire nation will be on the streets," Express News reported.

Meanwhile, The leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has reiterated its stance of marching towards Islamabad tomorrow, with plans for a sit-in at D-Chowk, Islamabad, regardless of any obstacles.