Islamabad sealed ahead of PTI’s ‘final call’ protest today

Pakistan’s capital Islamabad has been sealed ahead of today’s protest call by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan.The PTI has issued a "final call” for nationwide protests today, urging supporters to converge on Islamabad to demand his release and challenge the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment that has considerably eroded the powers of the superior judiciary.Khan, who has been imprisoned for over a year facing more than 150 cases, maintains significant public support.In anticipation of the planned rally, Pakistani authorities have implemented extensive security measures to prevent large gatherings. Islamabad’s Red Zone has been sealed off, with shipping containers blocking major roads and highways leading into the capital.Key routes connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including Faizabad, have been obstructed, causing significant traffic disruptions.The Islamabad administration has imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings of five or more people, processions, rallies, and demonstrations for two months, citing concerns over potential unlawful assemblies and disruptions to public order.Additionally, authorities are considering suspending mobile phone services in parts of Pakistan to prevent co-ordination among protestors. The National Highways and Motorway Police have announced the closure of key routes for maintenance, advising the public to avoid unnecessary travel due to intelligence reports indicating potential violence from protestors.Despite these measures, the PTI remains resolute in proceeding with the planned march. Senior PTI leaders have confirmed their decision to move forward with the protest, emphasising that it will continue until their demands are met.The protest coincides with the scheduled visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to Islamabad tomorrow, prompting heightened security concerns. A Pakistani court has barred PTI from holding the rally on the eve of the visit, citing security reasons.