Main roads blocked in Islamabad ahead of PTI protest

ISLAMABAD: Ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest on Friday, the Islamabad local administration has implemented extensive roadblocks, placing containers and other barriers at entry and exit points.

The Red Zone, including NADRA Chowk and Express Chowk, has been completely sealed off to restrict traffic, while Margalla Road and Ayub Chowk offer limited access for commuters.

The blockade has led to massive traffic disruptions, with long queues reported at Faizabad and other key intersections.

Containers have also been placed at different sections of the motorway and 26 Number Chungi to stop the PTI workers coming from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

To manage the security situation, heavy contingents of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The authorities have also closed several roads leading to the capital, particularly around Faizabad, a critical junction connecting the twin cities.

Citizens are facing major delays, with public transportation affected, and many schools and offices seeing reduced attendance due to the disruptions.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced strict measures to prevent the PTI protesters from reaching D-Chowk.

The protest, set for Friday, coincides with the visit of the Malaysian prime minister and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in the capital.

Naqvi emphasized that no gatherings would be tolerated near key diplomatic zones during the high-profile visit, citing national interests.

Security agencies have expressed concerns about a potential clash as PTI supporters are determined to proceed with the protest despite the government’s restrictions.

The Islamabad administration has urged the PTI workers to reconsider their plan in light of the diplomatic significance of the Malaysian prime minister’s visit and the upcoming SCO conference.

A day earlier, PTI founder Imran Khan issued a call for protests across the country. He urged supporters to stand up for the judiciary’s independence and join the rallies.