The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to launch a nationwide protest today, November 24th, with massive convoys making their way to Islamabad.
The demonstration, led by the PTI leadership, comes in response to a call from former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and authorities have implemented extensive security measures in anticipation of what is expected to be a large-scale protest.
The PTI’s nationwide protest is set to create significant disruptions in Islamabad and across the country. With tensions running high, the government’s extensive security measures, including roadblocks and personnel deployment, show the scale of preparation to prevent the protest from reaching its intended location. However, PTI’s leadership remains resolute, promising to continue their efforts until their demands are met, ensuring that the protest will be a key moment in the ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan.
PTI’s Call for Mass Participation
The PTI leadership, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, has declared today’s protest a decisive moment in their ongoing political struggle. PTI officials have urged for mass participation, with convoys from various parts of the country, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh, converging on the capital. The convoys will begin their journey at 11:00 AM, heading towards Islamabad as a unified group.
Security Measures and Road Closures
In response to the PTI’s call for a major protest, the Pakistani government has taken significant steps to prevent the demonstration from reaching the federal capital. Major roads leading to Islamabad are blocked with containers, and all entry points to Lahore have been sealed. Roadblocks have been set up at over 24 key locations across the country, including Gujranwala, Taxila, and Jehlum. The Mangla Bridge, a critical route, has also been closed to prevent convoys from advancing towards Islamabad.
Additionally, metro services have been suspended, bus stations closed, and hotels and hostels in sensitive areas evacuated. In an effort to prevent the protests from gaining momentum, over 30,000 personnel from the police, Rangers, and Frontier Corps have been deployed along major highways and entry points. The government has stationed Deputy Commissioners from 17 districts in Attock and Rawalpindi, with riot control shells on standby.
Blockades in Rawalpindi and Islamabad
The government has sealed off all entry and exit points to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Key roads such as Faizabad, IJP Road, Rawat T-Chowk, Carriage Factory, Mandrah, and Taxila Road have been completely blocked with containers. Authorities have also designated Kacheri Chowk as a one-way street to limit movement in the area.
The Ministry of Interior has asked the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend mobile phone and internet services in the region. While mobile services will remain operational, internet and Wi-Fi services are expected to be suspended. The decision regarding the suspension of mobile phone services will depend on the evolving situation throughout the day.
PTI’s Defiance of Roadblocks
Despite these stringent measures, PTI leadership has vowed that the protest will proceed as planned. Barrister Gohar, the senior PTI leader, emphasized that negotiations were not an option, and the protest would continue regardless of roadblocks or obstacles. He confirmed that PTI would hold protests wherever they are stopped, and he would join the demonstration once the convoys entered Islamabad.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur echoed these sentiments, promising that the protesters would remain at D-Chowk until their demands, including the release of Imran Khan, were met. The convoy will bring its machinery to clear obstacles, bypassing the government’s roadblocks.
PTI leader Shandana Gulzar also expressed determination, stating that the convoy would reach D-Chowk no matter how long it took, even if it required 12 hours or longer. “We will stage a sit-in wherever we are stopped,” she said, underlining the resolve to continue the protest until the objectives are achieved.
Clashes and Security Concerns
In a prelude to the protests, a fire broke out on Saturday in shipping containers set up near Khanna Police Station, which were intended to block the protesters’ path. The fire reportedly started during welding operations and was quickly extinguished by rescue teams. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the incident.
In addition to the container blockades, Islamabad police have blocked key motorways leading to the capital, including M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, M-14, and M-11. These roads, crucial for travelers and transport, have been closed to prevent PTI protesters from accessing Islamabad. Security forces have also been bolstered with additional reinforcements, including 19,000 police officers from Punjab, 5,000 from Sindh, and 5,000 personnel from the Frontier Corps. These units will assist the Islamabad police in maintaining order and dispersing any crowds that may form.
PTI’s Strategy and Resolve
Earlier today, PTI leadership held a high-level meeting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to finalize the strategy for the protest. The party’s parliamentarians from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa discussed the political situation and devised a plan to ensure the success of the protest march. PTI’s leadership emphasized that the protest would go ahead as scheduled, with no plans to cancel or delay it.
Key figures in the party also decided to leave the door open for negotiations, but only after the release of Imran Khan. Workers and leaders have been advised to travel separately to avoid arrest, and participants have been encouraged to bring wireless communication devices to ensure coordination during the protest.
