Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on lockdown ahead of opposition protests

Pakistan‘s capital, Islamabad, and surrounding regions were placed on lockdown on Sunday as authorities blocked major roads and suspended internet services to counter a protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Key entry points blocked across cities

Containers were placed at entry and exit points of Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi and other cities. Security was heightened at the borders of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, governed by Khan’s PTI party, in a bid to deter protesters from reaching the capital.

The PTI has called for a “final march” to stage a sit-in near the parliament until Khan is released from jail. Over 500 PTI activists have reportedly been arrested across the country, primarily in Punjab province.

Security measures and government response

Thousands of police and paramilitary troops have been deployed in Islamabad and adjoining areas. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqavi stated that preparations had been finalized to prevent the protest, calling it an “unlawful” march.

Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur insisted that PTI supporters would reach the designated protest site near parliament, vowing they would not leave until Khan’s release.

Court orders and high-level visit

The Islamabad High Court directed the government to ensure law and order during the protest, citing concerns raised by local traders.

The court also noted the arrival of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko in Islamabad over the weekend.

Imran Khan’s legal troubles

The 72-year-old former cricket star, detained in Rawalpindi since August 2023, faces a series of cases, including charges of corruption and terrorism. Khan maintains that the charges are politically motivated.