PTI’s main convoy zeroes in on Islamabad amid tightened security, roadblocks

ISLAMABAD: The PTI’s main convoy led by former first lady Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has reached Hazro Interchange as the party presses ahead with its planned protest in the federal capital amidst reports of sporadic clashes between the law enforces and PTI supporters in different areas.

Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have sealing major routes and deployed heavy contingents of law enforcement personnel to contain the PTI convoys and maintain the law and order in the federal capital. 

Amid the heightened security, access to Islamabad has been severely restricted by placing containers at multiple key points, including Chungi No-26 and Faizabad which has been entirely sealed by deploying Rangers personnel.

The Srinagar Highway has been closed at Zero Point and other points, while the Islamabad Expressway has been blocked at Khanna Pul, where a container was put on fire. Routes to the airport and Faizabad have also been shut down to thwart the PTI protesters’ movement. 

In Rawalpindi, police used batons to disperse PTI workers near Faizabad’s IJP Road and detained approximately 60 individuals.

Also read: Schools, colleges to remain closed in Islamabad tomorrow 

Authorities claim that the crackdown targeted a group of 100 to 150 protesters attempting to march on the capital. PTI leaders alleged that 490 workers and leaders including Aamir Dogar, Zain Qureshi, Moeen Riaz, and MPA Basharat Dogar, have been detained across Punjab while over 100 individuals were missing. 

The PTI protest has caused significant disruption to public life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi as residents remained confined to homes. Public transport vanished from roads in the twin cities while commuters and travellers faced extrme inconvenience to reach their destinations.

The metro bus service between the twin cities has been suspended, and the Green Line route from PIMS to Bhara Kahu remains closed.

Internet and mobile phone services continued to face disruptions throughout Sunday in Islamabad with the Interior Ministry citing security concerns as the reason for limiting connectivity. 

At the Attock Khurd border, connecting Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, authorities have set up checkpoints and completely sealed the area to prevent PTI convoys from entering Islamabad.

Security personnel equipped with tear gas, batons, and protective gear have been deployed along the route.

In Murree, roads connecting KP and Kashmir have been closed with barriers, trenches, and debris, cutting off access to Islamabad from the hill station. 

Meanwhile, roads leading to Adiala jail had been entirely blocked, causing severe inconvenience to residents. Police have deployed a heavy contingent along the route and placed containers to prevent any demonstrations near the jail. 

PTI leader Barrister Gohar said that Imran Khan’s call for the protest was “final” and only he can withdraw the protest call.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, citing the Islamabad High Court’s order, reached out to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, urging him to cancel the protest. Naqvi has reportedly warned that anyone attempting to take the law into their hands will face strict action, adding, “No one who violates the law will return from Islamabad.” 

Over 6,000 police officers have been deployed at Islamabad’s entry points, with authorities closely monitoring 70 locations across the twin cities using CCTV cameras.

The government has made it clear that no protests or rallies will be allowed to disrupt public order in the federal capital.