Mobile phone service suspended, pillion riding banned in Pindi as police make arrests from D-Chowk
The residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, particularly those who have to travel between the twin cities, faced much inconvenience amid a planned rally of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at the D-Chowk on Friday. The protesting workers of the (PTI) engaged in skirmishes with police on various roads and the riot police in order to disperse them had to resort to tear gas and baton-charge.
At least 50 protesters were arrested and mobile networks and Internet services remained suspended. The roads were sealed with containers and the administration used double (two storey) containers to fortify the defence wall against the protesters.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan had called on his supporters to gather for a “peaceful” protest and his party workers gathered for the rally scheduled for Friday despite a ban on gatherings.
Ahead of the rallies in Islamabad, the government issued a set of strict guidelines, which the PTI failed to follow fully, sparking clashes between its workers and the authorities.
Interior Minister MohsinNaqvi who was accompanied by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali NasirRizvi gave a clear message to the PTI leadership and workers not to hold any rally in Islamabad due to several high-profile visits by foreign dignitaries.
I want to make it clear that a designated place will be allotted as was done last month for the PTI rally or protest whatever they want and they are welcome to hold their protest rally there. But if they try to enter Islamabad, where Section 144 is imposed we shall be constrained to stop them with force, said the Interior Minister.
Talking to the media at D-Chowk, IGP Islamabad Syed Ali NasirRizvi said: “Proceedings are underway wherever there are attempts to hurt police or damage property. Till now, there have been over 30 arrests. We are updating the exact numbers. It is very clear that we have a clear message that we will not allow violation of law.”
Meanwhile the residents faced inconvenience due to suspension of mobile network and internet services across the twin cities since the morning.
What added to the citizens’ worries and confusion was that some schools (private) announced a holiday but the schools working under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) announced they would remain open and the parents as well as teachers had to cross many barriers and undergo strict surveillance in order to reach schools.
Moreover roads leading to the Red Zone and D-Chowk were sealed from all sides, including at Serena, Jinnah Avenue, Nadra Square, Marriott Hotel and Zero Point. Entry points of the twin cities, Srinagar Highway at Bus Stop 26, FaizabadChowk, Sangjani Toll Plaza, Margalla Road, and 9th Avenue were also closed.
