The capital city is on high alert as key roads and motorways are being sealed off in preparation for the opposition’s anticipated protest.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for November 24. The opposition party vowed to gear up for its power show in Islamabad on Sunday (November 24) despite tight security measures imposed by the federal government and court orders calling it “unlawful”.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar that the government will not grant permission for any sit-in or rally in Islamabad due to security concerns. “The court’s directive is clear, and anyone who attempts to protest will be arrested and face legal consequences,” he said. “There is no confusion on our part.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has warned of potential militant attacks targeting PTI’s protest march, according to a classified alert shared with provincial officials.
Road closures and mobile disruption
Islamabad city is facing mobile and internet suspensions amid heavy security deployment and road blockades. Major arteries and roads have been sealed off with shipping containers leading to Islamabad from the surrounding Rawalpindi city and other areas on Friday.
Islamabad roads: The Red Zone in Islamabad has been sealed and will remain closed to prevent potential unrest. Key routes, including Murree Road, Rawat T-Chowk, Faizabad, and 26 Number Chungi, are barricaded. All entry points to Islamabad via the Srinagar Highway are closed, and several roads, including Sector I-8, IJP Double Road, Margalla Road, and Golra Morh Flyover, are blocked. The Faizabad Interchange is also closed, and the Metro bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been suspended.
Metro Bus: The Metro Bus service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi will remain suspended on November 24. Additionally, a ban on public gatherings has been imposed in Punjab province until November 25.
Motorway: Pakistan’s National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) has said that motorways across the country have been sealed from various areas to protect lives and properties. “To prevent any untoward situation and to protect the lives of the people, motorways have been closed from various locations,” the NHMP said. “The lives and property of the people will be guaranteed at all costs. Those who take the law into their hands will be dealt with strictly.”
Major Motorways Shutdown
In a move to manage security and maintain public order, the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) have confirmed the closure of six major motorways starting from Friday night. These include:
- M-1 (Peshawar to Islamabad)
- M-2 (Lahore to Islamabad)
- M-3 (Lahore to Abdulhakeem)
- M-4 (Pindi Bhattian to Multan)
- M-11 (Sialkot to Lahore)
- M-14 (Hakla to Yarik)
The police advised people to avoid any inconvenience, please refrain from unnecessary travel. “For the latest updates on motorways and highways, you can contact the National Highways and Motorway Police helpline at 130.”
Security measures in Islamabad
In response to the anticipated protests, Islamabad has been heavily fortified with additional security measures. Containers have been strategically placed across the city, particularly along major routes like the Srinagar Highway, GT Road, and the Expressway, in an effort to limit access to sensitive areas such as D-Chowk and the Islamabad Airport. Security forces have heightened their presence around critical government buildings in the Red Zone, where protests are expected to intensify.
The deployment of over 6,000 police officers across Rawalpindi and Islamabad has significantly affected daily life, as traffic jams have plagued the city and commuters face long delays. Authorities have advised the public to avoid traveling to areas affected by the blockages and to remain vigilant in case of further developments. The situation remains fluid, with the government continuously monitoring the protests to avoid any escalation of violence.
Protestors Demand
PTI’s protest is a reaction to multiple issues, most notably the ongoing imprisonment of Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for over a year. The party views it as politically motivated. The government maintains that the charges against Khan are legitimate and denies the allegations of political motivations behind his imprisonment.
The protestors are also calling for reforms addressing alleged election rigging in the February 8 general elections and concerns over judicial independence, which the government has denied.
Cost of Protests
The ongoing political unrest has come at a steep cost. Since PTI’s protests began in July 2024, the federal government has incurred over Rs1.1 billion in expenses related to managing public gatherings, protests, and ensuring law and order. These protests have significantly damaged public and private property, estimated at Rs152 million, Islamabad police officers told Dawn.
The police forces have also paid a heavy price, with one officer martyred and 42 law enforcement personnel injured during these protests. Additionally, the government spent substantial amounts to secure the city, including Rs247.7 million for the rental of 1,641 containers used for road blockages and Rs870 million for the transportation and fuel of law enforcement agencies.
Further financial losses were incurred with the damage to 221 cameras of the Safe City Authority worth Rs151 million, and various vehicles including police vans, armored personnel carriers, and other vehicles that were either destroyed or damaged during clashes.
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