NACTA Issues Security Alert, Warning of Potential Terrorist Threat During PTI Protest in Islamabad
PTI March to Islamabad
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is set to march towards Islamabad today. This follows a call by the party’s founder for supporters to gather at D-Chowk for a protest. PTI supporters have already begun gathering at the Peshawar Motorway, kicking off the planned demonstration.
Imran Khan’s Call to Action
Imran Khan has called on the public to join the protest to “break the shackles of slavery.” He urged the masses to unite, describing the march as a movement for freedom and justice.
Arrests of PTI Leaders
In related developments, PTI’s chief whip Aamir Dogar and party leader Zain Qureshi have been arrested by Punjab Police. Both leaders were detained at the Qadirpurra Toll Plaza in Multan. The arrests come amid heightened security and political tensions as PTI proceeds with its protest plans.
Government Measures to Block the Protest
The government has taken several steps to prevent the protest, including deploying heavy security forces, sealing key roads, and setting up barriers around the capital. The Interior Ministry has emphasized that, according to court orders, no protests or sit-ins will be allowed in Islamabad. Any attempts to disrupt public order will be met with legal action.
PTI’s Protest Strategy
Gathering Points and March Route
PTI leadership has announced plans to gather at specific locations before marching to Islamabad, where they intend to hold a sit-in at D-Chowk. Despite government efforts to block access to the city, the party has vowed to continue their protest and push for the release of Imran Khan and other demands.
Determination to Overcome Obstacles
Gandapur, in a statement, affirmed that PTI will remain at D-Chowk until their demands are met, regardless of roadblocks or containers obstructing their path. “We will bring our own private machinery to remove obstacles and reach Islamabad,” Gandapur declared.
Bushra Bibi’s Role
Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, has opted not to participate in the protest but will oversee the convoys from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s House.
Federal Government’s Security Measures
Sealing Key Roads and Routes
In preparation for the protest, Islamabad’s federal government has fortified security measures, sealing off several key roads and blocking routes leading to the Red Zone, where critical government buildings are located. Containers have been placed across the city, including along the Srinagar Highway, GT Road, and the Expressway, limiting access to strategic areas like D-Chowk, Islamabad Airport, and the A-11 point at New Margalla Road.
Deployment of Security Forces
Rangers, along with police and Frontier Constabulary (FC), have been deployed to monitor the area. The federal government has also warned against any unlawful protests, stating that no one will be permitted to hold a demonstration in violation of judicial orders, with legal action promised against any violators.
Government-PTI Standoff
Telephonic Contact Fails to Resolve Issues
The latest clash between the PML-N-led government and PTI comes after the latter announced plans for a rally that could escalate into a sit-in unless its demands are met, including the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, the reversal of the 26th constitutional amendment, and the return of the “stolen mandate.”
Despite a telephonic contact between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan regarding permission for PTI’s protest, the IHC order and the arrival of a foreign delegation, both sides remained adamant on their stance and showed no signs of backing down.
Government’s Position on Public Gatherings
The interior minister noted that the government is bound by IHC guidelines, which restrict public gatherings that could pose risks during international visits. Naqvi provided Gohar with a detailed schedule of the Belarusian delegation’s visit and explained that, in light of the security measures, no rallies or gatherings would be authorized.
Fortified Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Blockades and Restrictions
The government turned Islamabad and Rawalpindi into virtual fortresses, blocking major arteries with freight containers and cutting off thoroughfares linking the cities in the name of repair and maintenance. This brought public transit to a near halt and restricted public movement severely.
High-Security Measures
Authorities fortified sensitive zones, particularly the Red Zone, into a no-go area, home to key government offices. Islamabad resembled a high-security fortress as police, Rangers, and FC personnel took up positions to counter PTI supporters’ attempts to breach the area.
Strategic Routes Blocked
Strategic routes, including the Srinagar Highway, Expressway, and GT Road, were barricaded at multiple junctures, effectively cutting Islamabad off from surrounding regions. Major entry and exit points to Islamabad, including Zero Point, Khanna Pul, and Golra Mor, were sealed with shipping containers.
Public Transit Disruptions
In Rawalpindi, Metro Bus services were halted, with services only partially operational from Saddar Station to Faizabad. The closure of over 200 bus terminals added to the public’s misery. Travel between Islamabad and Lahore came to a standstill, with Motorways M1 and M2 blocked at various points, allowing only exit traffic.
Hospitals on High Alert
Preparedness for Emergencies
Hospitals were placed on high alert, with Polyclinic Hospital emergency services directed to prepare for any eventuality. Additional staff were deployed, and ambulance services were placed on standby.
Terrorism Alert Issued
NACTA’s Warning
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) issued a warning of a possible terrorist attack targeting PTI’s protest, citing the recent infiltration of militants from the Pak-Afghan border. This prompted a further tightening of security, with Islamabad police conducting a flag march through key areas to demonstrate preparedness.
Pre-emptive Arrests
Raids and Detentions
Late Friday night, police carried out raids across Islamabad, arresting over a dozen PTI workers, including former MNA Nafisa Khattak. In Lahore, PTI Punjab Vice President Akmal Khan Bari and several other party members were detained.
Internet Service Suspension
Measures to Ensure Security
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that mobile data and internet services could be suspended in areas with heightened security risks, while regular services will continue throughout the rest of the country. The shutdown, limited to high-risk zones, aims to ensure smooth security operations as authorities brace for potential disturbances linked to the protest.
FAQs
1. What is the main reason for PTI’s protest in Islamabad?
PTI’s protest in Islamabad is primarily aimed at calling for the release of Imran Khan and other party demands, which include the reversal of the 26th constitutional amendment and addressing what they call the “stolen mandate.”
2. How has the government responded to PTI’s planned protest?
The government has taken several measures to prevent the protest, including deploying heavy security forces, sealing key roads, and setting up barriers around the capital to block access to the city.
3. What security measures have been put in place for the protest?
The federal government has fortified security measures, sealing off key roads and blocking routes leading to the Red Zone. Containers have been placed across the city, and Rangers, police, and FC personnel have been deployed to monitor the area.
4. Has there been any response from PTI regarding the government’s actions?
PTI has vowed to continue their protest despite the government’s efforts to block access to the city. Gandapur stated that PTI will remain at D-Chowk until their demands are met, and they plan to bring private machinery to remove obstacles if necessary.
5. Are there any specific warnings or alerts related to the protest?
NACTA has issued a security alert warning of a potential terrorist threat during the PTI protest in Islamabad, prompting further tightening of security measures.
