Various roads blocked, 412 PTI workers arrested in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police on Thursday arrested 412 workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) who were preparing to participate in the planned protest at D-Chowk, Islamabad, on Friday.

According to sources, the Islamabad police launched a crackdown on PTI workers ahead of the protest planned for Friday.

Police sources said that 412 workers were taken into custody, and weapons, including nail-studded sticks, slingshots, and stones, were seized from them.

The detainees were rounded up from various areas including Bhara Kahu, Tarnol and Sangjani.

Security has been beefed up in the federal capital with the deployment of Rangers and police personnel in the Red Zone and other areas.

The Islamabad and Rawalpindi administrations have placed containers and barricades at key entry points to prevent PTI workers from reaching D-Chowk.

The protest, called by PTI founder Imran Khan in support of judiciary, has been scheduled for October 4 at D-Chowk.

Rawat T Chowk, located at the confluence of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, along with Khanna Pul on Islamabad Expressway, Shakrial, Gulzar-e-Quaid at Koral, and Sadiqabad Road leading to Faizabad Interchange, have been sealed using containers and barriers from Thursday night. Other key points such as Pandora Chongi, Katarian, Khayaban-e-Sir Syed Chowk, Chak Madad, Dhok Hasu, Pirwadhai Mor, Taxila, and 26 No Chungi on Peshawar Road have also been blocked as part of the security measures.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urged the PTI leadership to postpone the protest, citing the visit of the Malaysian prime minister to Islamabad. “It is not appropriate to storm Islamabad while a foreign dignitary is present,” the interior minister said, warning that there would be no leniency for those attempting to reach D-Chowk.

Authorities have deployed around 4,000 police personnel in Islamabad with additional deployment of Rangers and FC personnel.

Meanwhile, police in Rawalpindi conducted raids and arrested unidentified number of PTI leaders and workers. So far, over 150 individuals have been detained, sources said.

Roads connecting Rawalpindi with Islamabad have been sealed as part of the security plan.

In Rawalpindi, CCPO Khalid Hamdani confirmed that more than 4,000 police personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order.

Hamdani said that legal action would be taken against individuals found damaging public property or disrupting peace. He said that surveillance through CCTV cameras has been enhanced throughout the city to monitor potential miscreants.

The Rawalpindi administration has imposed section 144 in Rawalpindi, Attock and Murree from October 4 to October 6, barring political gatherings and rallies.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s Information Adviser, Barrister Saif said that PTI workers, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, would still make their way to D-Chowk for the protest.

“The fake government is trying to block our path with containers, but we will reach D-Chowk regardless,” Barrister Saif said.

Earlier, Ali Amin Gandapur released a video message urging PTI supporters to remain resolute. “We are fighting for true freedom and will continue until we reclaim our rights,” he said, calling on the public to shed their fears and join the protest in Islamabad.