- Islamabad’s red zone areas, entry, exit points sealed.
- Security has been put on high alert in federal capital.
- Metro Bus service has been suspended in twin cities.
RAWALPINDI: The police sealed key arteries leading to Islamabad through Faizabad on Thursday after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vowed to hold a protest in Islamabad despite the revocation of the no objection certificate (NOC) for the event.
Police sealed the Faizabad Interchange by placing containers on the double road and Chongi No 26 bus stop. People are stuck in traffic as long queues of vehicles are formed due to the road closure.
Metro Bus service has also been suspended in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, while a heavy contingent of police has been deployed on the alternative routes for the public’s facilitation and security.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad district administration has decided to keep all the public and private educational institutions closed on Thursday, in view of the PTI’s scheduled protests.
Additionally, security has been put on high alert, while red zone areas as well as entry and exit points of the federal capital have been sealed.
D-Chowk, too, has been closed by placing containers. Only Margalla Avenue is open from one side for entry into the red zone but the avenue is closed from the GT Road.
On the other hand, the district administration has imposed Section 144 till August 24 in Rawalpindi, banning public gatherings, demonstrations, and sit-ins.
The administration also annulled the NOC issued to the PTI for the rally.
In a statement on Wednesday, PTI Islamabad President Amir Mughal said that the district administration had cancelled the notification, but “we haven’t cancelled the jalsa”.
“A peaceful political struggle is our constitutional and legal right,” he said.
The district administration revoked the NOC granted to PTI on the “report of district intelligence committee,” according to an official statement.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Islamabad Chief Commissioner Chaudhry Mohammad Ali Randhawa. The session also reviewed the NOC, granted by Deputy Commissioner Islamabad.
During the meeting, Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi pointed out the security concerns due to multiple events.
Citing strict security concerns, the administration noted that the Bangladesh cricket team is in Islamabad, adding that it is difficult to control the crowd of a rally.
“A few days ago, some protesters also reached the Supreme Court building,” it said, adding that in such circumstances, permission to hold public rallies cannot be given.
Imran Khan, who was removed as prime minister via a parliamentary vote in 2022, had “decided” to hold a public rally in the federal capital on August 22 following a prolonged struggle to hold a power show in Islamabad.
Adviser to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif has said that the party would try to violate the law on their part but vowed to hold the rally come what may.
