Govt warns of action as PTI pushes forward with Islamabad protest

NACTA has issued a security alert, warning of a potential terrorist threat during PTI protest in Islamabad

Despite a strong warning from the federal government and stringent security measures to prevent the protest, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is preparing to proceed with its highly anticipated march towards Islamabad on Sunday.

The party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has called on the public to join the march to "break the shackles of slavery."

The government has taken several steps to block the protest, including deploying heavy security forces, sealing key roads, and setting up barriers around the capital. The Interior Ministry has emphasized that, in accordance with court orders, no protests or sit-ins will be allowed in Islamabad, and any attempts to disrupt public order will be met with legal action.

Imran Khan, in a statement, urged the masses to unite for the protest, calling it a movement for freedom and justice.

PTI leadership has announced plans to gather at specific locations before marching to Islamabad, where they intend to hold a sit-in at D-Chowk. Despite government efforts to block access to the city, the party has vowed to continue their protest and push for the release of Imran Khan and other demands.

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.

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

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".

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.

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.

Internet service suspension

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