ISLAMABAD – Beleaguered Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stays adamant to go ahead with planned protest in Islamabad on November 24 as ongoing talks with government remained inconclusive, party’s Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said.
Ahead of protests, twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Punjab capital Lahore and several Motorways remained closed to contain charged workers, who ransacked state buildings in previous faceoffs.
PTI leaders reiterated to stage protests across Pakistan with workers from all parts of Pakistan march toward Islamabad.
The government is taking proactive measures to prevent disruptions in the capital. Interior Ministry made it clear that internet services will only be suspended in areas deemed to have security concerns, while the rest of the country will continue to have uninterrupted service.
PTI protest convoy heading toward Islamabad faced an early obstacle as police reportedly attempted to block its movement near Chaman, resulting in clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
Despite ongoing tensions, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan clarified that the party had not held discussions with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to delay the protest, and said the Islamabad High Court’s order regarding public gatherings was not final, as the court had not heard PTI’s side. Khan added that only party founder Imran Khan had the authority to call off the protest.
As part of security measures, Metro, Electric buses remained halted with containers placed on key routes to prevent access to the protest site at D-Chowk. The government has also deployed heavy machinery to manage the situation.
Ahead of PTI’s planned protest in capital, the Interior Ministry announced that mobile internet and WiFi services would only be suspended in areas with security concerns, while the rest of the country would experience normal service.
The government warned of legal consequences for those participating in the rally, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stating no negotiations were ongoing as National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) issued a warning about potential terrorist threats from the TTP, urging heightened security.
PTI protest: Latest situation of roads in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore today
