Multiple arrests were made on Sunday as the government vowed to “protect Islamabad” amid a protest call from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the capital city.
PTI founder Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, made a “final call” for a large-scale anti-government march to Islamabad on November 24.
Videos emerged on Sunday, showing PTI convoys from different parts of the country, particularly from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heading towards Islamabad to stage a protest on Khan’s call.
Pakhtoon Yar Khan, the provincial minister, stated that Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi was also part of a convoy coming to Islamabad. He added that Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was leading the convoy.
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In Punjab, PTI demonstrators and police clashed in numerous locations. Sixteen people from Faizabad, Islamabad, were taken into custody by police.
Police also used aerial gunfire to scatter PTI workers who had congregated in the area.
Speaking to media on Sunday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi vowed to “protect Islamabad” and warned of strict action against those marching towards Islamabad for protest.
“The area where PTI have called the protest is a protected area of Islamabad, monitored by the IG and DIG,” Naqvi said. “Any protesters who enter that area will be arrested,” he warned.
According to the NACTA alert issued earlier, the banned Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is planning attacks during the PTI protest in Islamabad.
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“There is a credible threat of terrorism from Fitna al-Khawarij during the PTI’s possible protest in Islamabad,” the NACTA statement reads, urging law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for the general public to take part in the march to “break the shackles of slavery.”
In response to the protest, the government has deployed heavy security forces, sealed key roads, and set up barriers around the capital.
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Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that strict action will be taken against anyone participating in the protest in Islamabad as it has been declared illegal by Islamabad High Court.
Addressing a news conference in Islamabad, he said there is no engagement with the PTI at any level.
Islamabad sealed ahead of planned PTI rally
He clarified that contact was made with PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan only once in compliance with Islamabad High Court’s ruling and they have been informed that this protest is illegal.
He said anyone participating in the protest will be arrested and face legal consequences.
He said that both Islamabad and Punjab Police have been given clear instructions that no one will be allowed to take the law into their hands or damage public property.
He said the PTI speaks the language of Pakistan’s enemies.
He said the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should pay attention to the law and order situation of the province.
Islamabad sealed
Meanwhile, Islamabad has placed shipping containers at all entry points of the Red Zone, Faizabad, Expressway, Kashmir Highway, Jinnah Avenue, IJP Road, Murree Road, and all entry and exit points of the city ahead of the Nov. 24 rally.
The city police put security on high alert and continued random checking at different points of the capital.
A ban has also been placed on all public gatherings of five or more people, processions, rallies, and demonstrations, according to a notification issued by Additional District Magistrate Usman Ashraf.