Residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are facing disruptions ahead of planned protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), with authorities taking security measures across the capital. Several roads have been blocked with containers, while 24 schools and colleges in Islamabad are also set to remain closed from Tuesday.
Parents and students in several parts of the federal capital are expected to face disruption as the selected educational institutions have been allocated to accommodate police personnel. The closures will affect only the institutions being used for police accommodation, while other schools and colleges will continue operating according to their regular schedules.
Authorities have not announced a specific reopening date for the affected institutions. The closure has therefore been described as indefinite, with academic activities suspended until further instructions.
The affected educational institutions are spread across several areas of Islamabad. These include G-6, G-7, G-8, G-9, G-10, G-13, F-6, F-7, I-9, I-10 and H-9. Institutions in Sihala, Tarnol, Malpur, Bari Imam, areas around Rawal Dam and Sangjani are also among those affected.
The selected school and college buildings are reportedly being used to provide accommodation for police personnel deployed for security duties. As a result, regular classes and other academic activities at these campuses have been suspended.
The development comes as security arrangements are being increased ahead of planned JI and PTI protests. Islamabad police have reportedly taken control of nearly 1,000 containers to establish roadblocks and strengthen security arrangements at different locations.
Transporters have alleged that some of their vehicles were taken without consent and are being used as barriers on roads. Drivers have also claimed that police took possession of vehicle keys, documents, licences and mobile phones at locations including Faizabad.
Transporters have raised concerns that cargo worth millions of rupees could be affected because of the use of their vehicles as roadblocks. Islamabad police and the district administration have reportedly not responded to requests for comments regarding the allegations.
The JI protest is linked to the party’s demand for the abolition of the petroleum levy, while PTI has announced demonstrations linked to its demand for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.
With additional security arrangements in place, residents of the twin cities may face traffic restrictions and changes to normal routines in areas affected by the protests. Parents and students whose institutions have been selected for police accommodation are advised to follow further announcements from their respective schools and authoritie
Also read: Karachi Bus Strike Announced as Transporters Protest Fines
