PTI Stages Decisive Protest at D-Chowk Amid Tight Security and Heightened Alerts
On the call of its Founding Chairman Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to stage a decisive protest at D-Chowk, Islamabad, today, November 24, to demand the release of the former Prime Minister and address other party concerns.
Federal Capital Under Lockdown
Islamabad has been effectively locked down, with major highways and entry points sealed to prevent demonstrators from reaching the venue. Convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, are scheduled to gather at Swabi at 11 a.m. before heading toward the capital.
PTI’s Determination to Reach D-Chowk
PTI leaders have vowed to overcome all obstacles despite road closures and government restrictions. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed his determination to clear all blockades, even hinting at the use of private machinery to remove road obstructions.
“No matter how many containers the government places, we will proceed to Islamabad and stage our sit-in until our demands are met,” he declared. Shandana Gulzar, another senior leader, reaffirmed the resolve, stating, “Even if it takes 100 hours, we will not back down. Wherever roads are blocked, we will start our sit-in.”
Read more: Islamabad Roads to be Blocked amid PTI Protests
Government’s Stand Against Protests
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized the government’s commitment to enforcing Islamabad High Court orders banning protests in the capital. Warning against disruptions, he stated, “This time, those who take the law into their hands will not be spared.”
The Interior Minister also pointed out that an 80-member Belarusian delegation is in Islamabad, making it crucial to maintain peace during their official visit. Meanwhile, PTI leader Barrister Gauhar has sought time to consult party leadership on potentially postponing the protest.
Heightened Security and Terror Alerts
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has warned of possible terrorist activity targeting the protest, with reports of militants entering Pakistan via the Pak-Afghan border. Similarly, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department has flagged the risk of a suicide attack during the demonstration.
Over 30,000 security personnel, including police, Frontier Corps, and provincial forces, have been deployed to Islamabad. Major roads and motorways leading to the capital, including the Lahore-Islamabad and Peshawar-Islamabad routes, remain closed.
Public Inconvenience Amid Crackdown
The lockdown has caused significant disruptions, with roads from Lahore, Faisalabad, and Jhelum blocked and metro bus services in nearby areas suspended. Over 300 PTI workers have already been arrested in Islamabad and Rawalpindi as part of the government’s preemptive measures, with raids continuing.
Clarification on Flight Operations
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has refuted rumours of disruptions to flight operations due to the protest. In a statement, the CAA assured that all airports, including Islamabad International Airport, are functioning normally, urging travellers to disregard baseless claims.
“Passengers arriving in or departing from Pakistan will face no hindrances,” the CAA stated, dismissing reports of potential detentions at airports as fabricated.
As the situation unfolds, Islamabad remains on high alert with security and public convenience in sharp focus.
