Pakistan’s capital was put under a security lockdown on Sunday amid protests by supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan calling for his release.Highways leading to Islamabad through which supporters of Khan, led by members of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, approached the city, have been blocked.Most major roads of the city have also been blocked by the government with shipping containers and large contingents of police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in riot gear, while mobile phone services have been suspended.The PTI reported multiple arrests and the use of tear gas and shelling by government forces in Islamabad as part of ongoing efforts to suppress protests. According to PTI sources, security agencies have detained numerous protestors advocating for political reforms and opposing the current administration.The PTI alleged that the government employed heavy-handed tactics, including the use of tear gas canisters and live ammunition, to disperse demonstrators gathering in key areas of the capital. These actions have heightened tensions between the opposition party and state authorities, with PTI accusing the government of undermining democratic freedoms and the right to peaceful assembly.In response to the escalating situation, government officials have issued a firm statement pledging to halt the protests "no matter what.” The administration has called for an end to what it describes as unlawful gatherings that disrupt public peace and safety.Human rights organisations expressed concern over the reported use of force against protestors, urging both the government and opposition parties to engage in dialogue to resolve differences peacefully. They called for an independent investigation into the alleged abuses to ensure accountability and protect citizens’ rights.As the situation unfolds, Islamabad remains on high alert with increased security presence in major protest hotspots. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with several foreign observers advocating for restraint and the protection of democratic processes.Global internet watchdog NetBlocks said on X that live metrics showed WhatsApp messaging services had been restricted ahead of the protests.A key Khan aid, Ali Amin Gandapur, who is the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and was expected to lead the largest convoy into Islamabad, called on people to gather near the entrance of the city’s red zone, known as "D Chowk”.Islamabad’s red zone houses the country’s parliament building, important government installations, as well as embassies and foreign institutions’ offices."Khan has called on us to remain there till all our demands are met,” he said in a video message on Saturday. The PTI’s demands include the release of all its leaders, including Khan, as well as the resignation of the current government due to what it says was a rigged election this year.Khan has been in jail since August last year and, since being voted out of power by parliament in 2022, faces a number of disputed charges. He and his party deny all the charges."These constant protests are destroying the economy and creating instability...we want the political leadership to sit together and resolve these matters,” Muhammad Asif, 35, a resident of Islamabad said in front of a closed market.
November 25, 2024 | 12:01 AM