Govt seals off Islamabad, blocks key roads as PTI prepares for power show at D-chowk

Rangers, along with police, FC deployed while internet services could be suspended in high security areas

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, will stage a decisive protest in Islamabad today, marking a major demonstration at D-Chowk, despite tight security measures imposed by the federal government.

In response to Imran Khan’s call, PTI has mobilised large contingents from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with a caravan led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur set to depart from Swabi and head towards Islamabad.

The caravan is expected to reach Islamabad by 11 AM, where the party aims to press its demands, including Khan’s release. Gandapur, in a statement, affirmed that PTI will remain at D-Chowk until their demands are met, regardless of roadblocks or containers obstructing their path.

"We will bring our own private machinery to remove obstacles and reach Islamabad," Gandapur declared.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, has opted not to participate in the protest but will oversee the convoys from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister's House.

In preparation for the protest, Islamabad’s federal government has fortified security measures, sealing off several key roads and blocking routes leading to the Red Zone, where critical government buildings are located.

Containers have been placed across the city, including along the Srinagar Highway, GT Road, and the Expressway, limiting access to strategic areas like D-Chowk, Islamabad Airport, and the A-11 point at New Margalla Road.

Rangers, along with police and Frontier Constabulary (FC), have been deployed to monitor the area. The federal government has also warned against any unlawful protests, stating that no one will be permitted to hold a demonstration in violation of judicial orders, with legal action promised against any violators.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has informed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar that the government will not grant permission for any sit-in or rally in Islamabad due to security concerns during an official visit from a high-ranking Belarusian delegation.

The interior minister noted that the government is bound by Islamabad High Court guidelines, which restrict public gatherings that could pose risks during international visits.

Naqvi provided Gohar with a detailed schedule of the Belarusian delegation’s visit. He further explained that, in light of the security measures, no rallies or gatherings would be authorised.

Gohar responded by saying he would consult with party leaders before finalising a response.

PTI 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.

Adding to the tension, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued a security alert, warning of the possibility of a terrorist attack during the protest.

The alert notes that militants from the "Fitna al-Khawarij" group, formerly known as the TTP, may attempt an attack, as they recently crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan. In response, authorities have heightened security measures around protest locations.

The Ministry of Interior also confirmed that mobile data and internet services could be suspended in areas with heightened security risks, while regular services will continue throughout the rest of the country.

The shutdown, limited to high-risk zones, aims to ensure smooth security operations as authorities brace for potential disturbances linked to the protest.