Islamabad is gearing up for a tense Friday as the city administration has decided to seal off key areas, ahead of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest. The protest, announced by PTI, is a reaction to the recent arrest of its leaders, and the party has called for nationwide demonstrations.
To keep control, the authorities have placed extra containers at crucial entry points like Margalla Road, 26 Number Chungi, and the motorway, making it tough for PTI workers to enter the city. This move has become a common headache for people traveling between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as roadblocks often cause delays and disruptions.
Adding to the measures, the city’s red zone has been cordoned off to avoid any major interruptions in government operations. With Section 144 already imposed in Islamabad and Punjab, public gatherings have been strictly prohibited to maintain law and order and manage any possible security risks.
The protest is being held in response to grievances over the arrest of PTI leaders, with party chairman Imran Khan, currently in prison, encouraging supporters to gather at D-Chowk on October 4. PTI insists their protests will remain peaceful, pushing for the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. Imran Khan also made it clear that they aim to demonstrate without violence, claiming, “We have always protested peacefully, but this system has failed to protect us.”
Despite PTI’s calls for peace, the government has turned Islamabad into a heavily controlled zone, with strict security in place to keep any unrest in check. For commuters, however, it looks like another day of long waits and roadblocks. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the protest will proceed without clashes, or if tensions will escalate further.
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