Islamabad, Pakistan
Pakistani authorities placed shipping containers on key roads and highways leading to Islamabad, to prevent supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from holding a rally seeking his release, on Friday (Oct 4).
The authorities also suspended cellphone and internet services in the capital.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government also deployed paramilitary rangers and additional police across the Pakistani capital. The protests also prompted the closure of schools in Islamabad and the nearby city of Rawalpindi.
This comes after PTI supporters refused to back out from their call to protest.
According to the officials, the provincial government mobilised heavy machinery to remove the blockades. Imran Khan's supporters were planning to march from the province to Islamabad, defying a ban on rallies imposed this week.
Around 30 PTI supporters arrested
At least 30 PTI supporters were arrested in Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid their plan for a rally at the capital's D-Chowk.
However, incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan called on his supporters to gather for a "peaceful protest". Another rally is also scheduled for Lahore's Minar-i-Pakistan on Saturday (Oct 5).
Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi told reporters, “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 the law to be taken into own hands.”
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Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani, in a statement, said that security was on high alert and pillion-riding was banned.
Moreover, Islamabad Police shared a post on X, reminding that Section 144 is “in force” in the federal capital.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told Imran Khan's party on Thursday (Oct 3), to cancel the planned protest and warned that there would be "no leniency” if the ban on protests is defied.
“They should think what they are going to do with Pakistan by marching on Islamabad with weapons,” he said. “I am very clear that they are going launch an assault on Islamabad,” Naqvi said. He added that the government would not allow anyone to cause damage to the country.
(With inputs from agencies)