Last-ditch effort fails to change PTI's mind on march

Govt turns twin cities into virtual fortresse NACTA issues warning of possible terrorist attack

ISLAMABAD:

The political battlefield in the capital appeared primed for yet another confrontation between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday (today), with neither side willing to give ground – resulting in a political stalemate that has left the city bracing for unrest.

With threat alerts ringing in the air, the federal capital is bracing for a powder keg of a showdown, with both the government and PTI maintaining their respective positions.

The government's refusal to allow the protest and PTI's determination to go ahead with it has left the residents of the twin cities in limbo, as severe security measures leave the streets eerily quiet.

To add fuel to the fire, the government has announced an internet shutdown in security-sensitive areas during the protest.

The latest clash between the PML-N-led government and PTI comes after the latter threw down the gauntlet, announcing plans for a rally that could escalate into a sit-in unless its demands are met, including the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, the reversal of the 26th constitutional amendment and the return "stolen mandate".

In response, the government while relying on an order of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) conveyed that PTI will not be allowed to hold a rally or stage a sit-in in the capital at any cost, citing security concerns as well as the arrival of an 80-member delegation of Belarus, which will be led by its President Alexander Lukashenko, to Islamabad from November 24 to 27.

Despite a telephonic contact between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan on Saturday morning in connection with permission for PTI's protest, the IHC order and the arrival of the foreign delegation, both sides remained adamant on their stance and didn't show any sign that they were ready to step back.

The interior minister noted that the government is bound by IHC 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 and 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, which didn't come till midnight.

As tensions continue to boil over, the talks have fallen by the wayside. Both sides spent the day exchanging statements, with PTI vowing to break down all barriers to reach D-Chowk, right in front of Parliament in Islamabad's Red Zone.

On the other hand, the government has promised to ensure that no one will be allowed into the capital, let alone the heavily guarded Red Zone.

Meanwhile, the storm clouds of PTI's "final push" continued to gather amid a stream of statements from various party leaders asserting that they remain undeterred.

Fortified

The government turned Islamabad and Rawalpindi into virtual fortresses on Saturday as not only the major arteries of the twin cities were choked with freight containers but the thoroughfares linking Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore were blocked in the name of repair and maintenance.

The blockade brought the public transit to almost a grinding halt.

The authorities, who have vowed to spare no effort in quelling any unrest, fortified sensitive zones into a no-go area, particularly the Red Zone, home to key government offices.

Islamabad resembled a high-security fortress as police, Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel – who have been granted special powers to tackle security situation – took up positions to counter PTI supporters' attempts to breach the area.

Similarly, Red Zone, especially D-Chowk – the traditional flashpoint for protests – was fortified with heavy containers and barbed wire to keep the potential political storm outside Islamabad's secure perimeters.

Officials confirmed that additional contingents of Punjab police and Rangers were deployed to other sensitive locations across the federal capital.

Strategic routes, including the Srinagar Highway, Expressway and GT Road, were barricaded at multiple junctures, effectively cutting Islamabad off from surrounding regions as well.

The public movement was severely restricted as major entry and exit points to Islamabad, including Zero Point, Khanna Pul, and Golra Mor were sealed with shipping containers.

Routes from Rawalpindi, including Faizabad Interchange and T-Chowk, were similarly blocked, leaving citizens stranded.

In Rawalpindi, Metro Bus services were halted, with services only partially operational from Saddar Station to Faizabad. The closure of over 200 bus terminals added to the public's misery.

Similarly, travel between Islamabad and Lahore came to a standstill, with Motorways M1 and M2 blocked at various points, allowing only exit traffic.

The New Margalla Road and Iran Avenue were similarly sealed.

The clampdown left residents scrambling for alternatives, with traffic diverted to secondary routes that quickly became gridlocked. Citizens, unable to reach workplaces or schools, voiced frustration over the paralysis caused by the sweeping measures.

Hospitals on high alert

Meanwhile, hospitals were placed on high alert. Polyclinic Hospital emergency services were directed to prepare for any eventuality, with additional staff deployed and ambulance services placed on standby.

Terrorism alert issued

Meanwhile, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) issued a warning of a possible terrorist attack targeting PTI's protest, citing the recent infiltration of militants from the Pak-Afghan border.

This prompted a further tightening of security, with Islamabad police conducting a flag march through key areas to demonstrate preparedness.

Pre-emptive arrests

Late Friday night, police carried out raids across Islamabad, arresting over a dozen PTI workers, including former MNA Nafisa Khattak. In Lahore, PTI Punjab Vice President Akmal Khan Bari and several other party members were detained.

The government has made clear it will brook no defiance.

"No illegal gatherings or rallies will be tolerated," Islamabad's City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hameed said, asserting a zero-tolerance approach to disturbances.