LAHORE – Authorities in Pakistan’s federal capital Islamabad sealed D-Chowk with containers on the nearby roads ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s protests.
Commuters are facing difficulties as key areas have been sealed off once again as authorities brace for potential protests from political parties. With the closure of several arteries in the city, Margalla Road remains the only route remaining open.
On Wednesday, several containers were deployed at Chungi Number 26, IJP Road, and Faizabad in Rawalpindi, which further disrupted traffic.
Currently, there is no car, bike, or pedestrian access to Red Zone, causing significant inconvenience for residents and commuters while there is a strong police presence in the region.
The closure resulted in heavy traffic congestion, with many commuters struggling to reach offices and educational institutions within the Red Zone. This is not the first similar situation as twin cities saw series of chaotic scenes amid PTI protests and rallies.
PTI Oct 4 Protest Call
Imran Khan’s party announced nationwide protests advocating for the independence of the judiciary, including a demonstration in Islamabad on October 4, despite a ban on gatherings.
This call follows threats from KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur against the federal government regarding actions against PTI workers. Protests are also planned in Mianwali, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur, with a larger event at Minar-i-Pakistan in Lahore this weekend.
The protests come in the wake of a new law that restricts public gatherings. The ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024’ requires groups to seek permission from the district magistrate seven days in advance and allows the government to designate ‘red zones’ where assemblies are prohibited.
PTI chief, who remained in jail for over one year, slammed government for attempting to suppress PTI and expressed support for Gandapur’s actions, claiming the party’s protests have been peaceful despite legal challenges.
