ISLAMABAD: As the clock ticks on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) November 24 showdown in the federal capital, law enforcement agencies in Pakistan have intensified their efforts to prevent imprisoned former premier Imran Khan’s party from reaching Islamabad.
PTI’s call for protest comes at a time when the president of the Republic of Belarus, Aleksandr Grigorievich Lukashenko, is set to undertake an official visit to Pakistan from November 25 to 27 with several agreements to be signed, the Foreign Office said.
Given the development, authorities have devised comprehensive security plans that includes sealing capital city and Rawalpindi – the key garrison city just kilometres from the country’s Parliament – from all entry points, deploying thousands of freight shipping containers, razor, and barbed wires.
The Punjab Rangers and Elite Force commandos have been mobilised to secure key points along with the regular police forces.
Main Highways and Motorways leading to Islamabad are being closed from key bridges and entry points-a step that puts life to a standstill.
“Nobody will be allowed to stage any protest in the area,” confirmed a senior police official.
The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) also confirmed that six key motorways are being closed for all types of traffic “due to maintenance” from Friday night, urging travellers to avoid unnecessary travel during this period. The statement said that the decision was taken after information that protesters are planning to create a law and order situation and damage public and private property on Nov 24.
Main Highways and Motorways leading to Islamabad are being closed from key bridges and entry points-a step that puts life to a standstill.
Public Notice! pic.twitter.com/xpwREaPNiD
— National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) (@NHMPofficial) November 22, 2024
“Nobody will be allowed to stage any protest in the area,” confirmed a senior police official.
A crackdown on local PTI leaders and activists, which began from Tuesday, has already led to the arrest of scores of party workers in Rawalpindi.
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which empowers officials to ban public gatherings has been imposed in the Punjab province and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
Beefing up security
The Islamabad administration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, has stepped up preparations in the federal capital.
Media reports said at least 30,000 additional security personnel have arrived in Islamabad with 19,000 policemen from Punjab, 1,000 from Azad Kashmir and 5,000 from Sindh.
Additionally, 5,000 personnel from the Frontier Constabulary (FC) have also arrived in the capital. All personnel will assist Islamabad police in maintaining law and order.
Despite concerns about violent clashes, authorities are hoping to avoid the use of water cannons and rubber bullets but will act if protesters engage with the police.
The Islamabad police had requested additional personnel from the Pakistan Rangers and the Frontier Constabulary (FC), with the forces to be deployed with full anti-riot kits.
A senior official stated, “Extraordinary security measures will be taken to prevent any unlawful assemblies and maintain public peace. We are fully prepared to handle any situation that may arise.”
Talking to the media on Friday, Interior Minister Naqvi highlighted security challenges, including the arrival of a high-level delegation from Belarus.
READ ALSO: Unheard Casualties: What’s True Cost of Pakistan’s Sit Ins
“A 65-member delegation, including the president of Belarus, will be visiting on Nov 24 and 25. Ensuring their security is our priority. During this time, mobile services will also be suspended in Islamabad,” Naqvi said.
Earlier, the Ministry of Interior said as part of broader security efforts, the government has begun geofencing Afghan refugee camps in Islamabad and other cities to monitor for potential risks.
Authorities are considering punitive actions for students involved in protests, including the cancellation of academic certificates, a threat to deter youngsters from joining protests.
Attock showdown
A fierce showdown is anticipated to take place in the Attock district, a strategic border area between the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces.
Law enforcement agencies fear PTI supporters may bring weapons into the federal capital under the garb of the march.
“All possible steps will be taken to ensure law and order and prevent any escalation of violence,” an official added.
Legal blow
Making things harder for PTI, The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday ruled that PTI’s planned protest on Nov 24 was unlawful, raising questions on the rationale for holding the public gathering. The court directed the federal government to take all necessary measures to maintain law and order in the federal capital without disrupting public life.
ICH Chief Justice Aamer Farooq issued the ruling while hearing a petition filed by Islamabad’s traders, who raised concerns over the potential disruption caused by the protest.
Mobile Services
The authorities in Pakistan are likely to impose a countrywide suspension of mobile services from day evening ahead of the PTI Nov 24 protest in Islamabad.
Earlier, Interior Minister Naqvi highlighted security challenges, including the arrival of a high-level delegation from Belarus.
Naqvi said that a 65-member delegation, including the president of Belarus, will be visiting on Sunday and Monday. He added that ensuring their security is their priority and during this time, mobile services will also be suspended in Islamabad.
PTI won’t budge
PTI leaders, however, remain adamant on holding the power show, demanding the immediate release of their founding leader and other prisoners incarcerated on rioting and vandalism charges in the wake of the May 9 attacks on important military installations and monuments shaking country’s fragile democracy.
Despite facing bans and legal challenges, they have confirmed their intention to march to Islamabad, with PTI founder Imran Khan urging supporters to come out in large numbers. PTI spokespersons claim that thousands of workers are already in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and they have set up strategies to bypass the authorities’ barriers.
The standoff between the government and the protesting party is likely to escalate in the lead-up to the protest day, with both sides preparing for a critical power show in the capital.
Authorities have vowed to maintain control, while PTI supporters remain defiant.
