Islamabad. The government has made tight security arrangements in view of the proposed demonstration in Islamabad by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party ‘Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’ (PTI). Khan has called on the public to unite to “break the shackles of slavery”. The Pakistan government on Saturday closed the highways leading to the national capital, partially suspended internet and mobile services, and halted public transport to prevent Sunday’s protest by PTI in Islamabad. and blocked important roads by erecting containers.
Along with this, a large number of security forces have also been deployed. The leadership of ‘PTI’ has unanimously decided that the protest will be held on Sunday as planned and it will neither be postponed nor ended before the objective is achieved. According to Geo News news, PTI leaders held a high-level meeting on Sunday at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s residence, in which the strategy for the protest was finalized. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said he would reach Swabi at 3 pm to inspect preparations for the proposed protest and lead the party’s march to Islamabad, reports said.
The Chief Minister has also directed party workers willing to join the march to reach Swabi by 3 pm. PTI is going to protest for the second time in two months. Ignoring the government’s call to postpone the protest, the party has announced to move towards Islamabad. At the same time, the authorities have issued a warning of possible danger during this demonstration. Imran Khan’s party had last week announced a long march to Islamabad for its three demands. The party is demanding the release of jailed Khan and other leaders, recognition of PTI’s victory in the February 8 elections, and repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
The 26th Constitutional Amendment changed the process of appointment of judges and the Chief Justice. According to the news of Pakistani news channel ‘Express News TV’, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued a security alert warning of a possible terrorist attack during the PTI demonstration in Islamabad. It warned that PTI’s public meeting could be targeted by terrorists. Section 144 is in force in Islamabad since November 18, under which people cannot gather. On the other hand, the Punjab government has also imposed Section 144 in the entire province from November 23 to November 25, under which protests, public meetings, rallies and dharnas have been banned. Despite tight security and restrictions, PTI is adamant on protesting for its demands.
