Islamabad tightens security before PTI rally for Imran Khan

Bangla Press Desk: Pakistan has tightened security in Islamabad ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march on Parliament on Sunday, deploying thousands of security personnel, blocking roads with shipping containers and banning public gatherings as supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan demand his release.

PTI remains determined to proceed with the demonstration, setting the stage for a confrontation with authorities who have detained three of Khan’s sisters and lawmakers as part of a widening crackdown.

The planned protest could further intensify political tensions in Pakistan, where Khan’s imprisonment and the sidelining of his party have led to repeated standoffs with the authorities. A large turnout or clashes as supporters attempt to reach the capital could disrupt business and transport.

The developments come as an International Monetary Fund team is in Pakistan to review the country’s $7 billion bailout programme, which has helped stabilise the economy after years of financial turmoil.

The IMF team began talks with the central bank in Karachi this week and is due to travel to Islamabad on Monday, a day after the planned protest, for discussions with the government. The News reported, citing officials, that the visit can proceed if conditions in the capital remain normal.

Around 1,000 shipping containers have been placed as makeshift barricades across the capital, while more than 22,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed ahead of Sunday’s demonstration, according to a police official who asked not to be identified.

Shipping containers have previously featured in Khan’s protests. The former cricket star was standing on one during a protest march in 2022 when a gunman opened fire, injuring him in the leg.

Khan is serving a 14-year sentence in a corruption case. His family and lawyers have accused prison authorities of keeping him in inhumane conditions, alleging that he spends 23 hours a day in a small cell without natural light or contact with other prisoners. Pakistani authorities have denied the allegations.

Government ministers have openly vowed to prevent the planned march. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said earlier this week that there was “no possibility” of protesters bringing the country to a standstill.

The government has already closed major highways and other routes into Islamabad, including key links with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the north-western province governed by Khan’s PTI.

Authorities have also imposed emergency restrictions under Section 144 across Islamabad for two months, banning gatherings of five or more people as well as rallies and demonstrations in public places, according to Pakistan’s Dawn.

Punjab has asked the federal government to deploy paramilitary Rangers in four districts, including Rawalpindi, to strengthen security, Geo News reported. The province has also sought a mobile and internet shutdown ahead of the march.

PTI has accused the government of using its powers to infringe on its constitutional right to peaceful protest. PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan told journalists that when supporters entered Islamabad, “there will be a festive atmosphere, with Pakistan flags everywhere”. Source: NDTV

BP/TD