ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities have enhanced security measures in anticipation of a protest march planned by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party towards the capital, Islamabad, on November 24.
The march, which PTI has described as a final push to challenge the government, pushed authorities to implement a series of measures designed to pre-emptively thwart the protest and maintain order in the capital.
Authorities have imposed a two-month ban on gatherings of more than five people in Islamabad, effective immediately.
In a notification issued on November 18, Islamabad’s district magistrate cited security concerns and the need to prevent unrest as the primary justification for the ban.
O Bird, that flies to throne of God, you must keep this truth in sight;
to suffer death is nobler far, than bread that clogs your upward flight.Death is better than a life of slavery.
I have previously only called on people associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to…
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2024
The deployment of additional law enforcement personnel, including Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) forces, has already begun.
Sources within the Interior Ministry confirmed that thousands of security officers are being mobilised to monitor sensitive areas in the twin cities.
The ministry has also initiated geofencing of Afghan refugee camps in Islamabad and other cities to monitor activities and enhance surveillance.
A report by Geo News said that Islamabad Police have requested a significant bolstering of forces in preparation for the protest.
Authorities have asked for the deployment of 9,000 Rangers and FC personnel, equipped with anti-riot gear, beginning on November 22. These units will be tasked with securing key government installations and public spaces, with a particular focus on preventing large gatherings.
Interior ministry authorities also revealed that the government is employing advanced surveillance tactics, including the geofencing of Afghan refugee camps in the capital, as part of a broader intelligence operation to monitor potential unrest.
The Ministry of Interior has emphasised that the government will take “the strictest legal action” against any individuals found inciting violence during the protest.
“Those who engage in disruptive activities will face severe consequences,” a senior official in the Interior Ministry said.
The growing political tensions come against the backdrop of a prolonged political crisis that has gripped Pakistan since Khan’s ousting in a no-confidence vote in April 2022. Since then, Khan and his party have mounted a sustained challenge to the government.
His calls for early elections and the release of political prisoners have rallied his supporters, despite his own ongoing legal troubles and imprisonment.
The PTI’s planned march is seen as a direct challenge to the current government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which took office following Khan’s removal.
