Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has intensified preparations for a nationwide demonstration demanding the release of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan. Party leaders have said that the movement will continue despite increased security by the government. Meanwhile, the administration in Islamabad has prepared to close roads and deploy security forces on a large scale.
Why such tight security in Islamabad?
More than a thousand shipping containers have been placed on the roads to prevent protesters from advancing in the capital. Many of these containers have also been fitted with sharp barriers. Sandbags have been placed on major roads and bridges, while a major highway leading to the capital has also been closed. About 22 thousand police and other security personnel have been deployed amid the ban on public meetings in Islamabad.
Why did PTI change the date of March?
PTI leaders on Friday announced to extend the start date of the march from September 27 to October 4. The party says that a delay of one week will help in increasing pressure on the government and completing the preparations for the movement. The main issue of PTI is the release of Imran Khan. The party has also said earlier that its movement will remain political and peaceful.
What is the matter with the arrest of Imran Khan’s three sisters?
Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan was detained for 30 days in Lahore on 20 September. After this, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were also detained for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Act. Concerns related to public safety and law and order have been cited by the authorities. These actions have been criticised by PTI and the family and the detention orders have also been challenged in court.
Has security increased in other areas of Pakistan also?
Security arrangements are not limited to Islamabad only. The government has also increased the deployment of security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The main road connecting Peshawar to Islamabad has also been closed. There are also reports of businesses and supply of goods being affected due to the blockades imposed in the capital.
How long has Imran Khan been in jail?
Imran Khan is in jail since August 2023. There have been convictions against him in many cases. PTI has described these cases as politically motivated, while the proceedings of Pakistani authorities and courts have been based on different legal grounds. Political tension remains constant in Pakistan regarding his detention and party activities.
What is the situation of conflict between the government and PTI?
The government has already indicated that it is not in favour of allowing mass marches in Islamabad. At the same time, PTI leadership is firm on taking the movement forward. Because of this, both security arrangements and political activities have increased in the capital and surrounding areas before the proposed rally on October 4. Now everyone’s eyes are on how the law and order situation will be during March.
