The government of Pakistan has Notably tightened security measures in the federal capital, Islamabad, ahead of the long march proposed by Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), scheduled for September 27. To prevent the movement of protesters, major access routes to the capital are being blocked, and a massive deployment of security forces is underway across various strategic points. The administration is taking no chances as the political tension in the country continues to escalate.
Major Motorways and Routes Closed
In a bid to restrict the entry of PTI supporters into the capital, the authorities have ordered the closure of several key highways, while the M-1 Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway has been shut down in both directions from the Islamabad Toll Plaza to the Chach Interchange. Along with this, several other critical interchanges have been closed, including Fateh Jang/Tarnol, Sangjani, Brahma Bahtar, Burhan, Hazara Motorway, Ghazi, and Chach. These closures are expected to cause significant disruption to regular traffic and logistics.
Plus, the M-14 Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway has been closed in both directions from Hakla to Kundal. The Grand Trunk Road, commonly known as N-5, has also been blocked near Attock Khurd. Officials have stated that these routes will remain closed until further orders are issued, effectively isolating the capital from several major cities in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces.
Deployment of Rangers and Police Forces
To maintain law and order during the protest period, the Punjab government has requested the federal government to deploy Rangers in four key districts: Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Mianwali. This deployment has been sought from September 22 to October 5 to ensure that any potential unrest is contained. In Rawalpindi alone, the authorities have planned the deployment of more than 10000 police personnel. The security plan includes the placement of shipping containers at entry points, barrier points, and major roads to create physical obstructions for the marchers.
Crackdown on PTI Leadership
As the date of the march approaches, PTI has alleged a series of police actions against its leaders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The party claims that raids were conducted at the residences of provincial ministers Syed Fakhar Jahan and Riaz Khan, while On top of that, PTI reported that National Assembly member Mohammad Zubair Khan Wazir was arrested after a police siege at his home that lasted for several hours. The party further alleged that during this operation, his family members were held hostage and there were incidents of firing.
In another legal development, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has registered an FIR against Junaid Akbar, the PTI President for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the PECA law. He's accused of posting alleged anti-state content on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube and inciting party workers. The FIR also mentions his alleged remarks regarding repeatedly targeting Islamabad.
Human Rights Concerns and Communication Restrictions
International human rights organization Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the detention of PTI leaders and activists, specifically mentioning Imran Khan's sisters, Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi, and Uzma Khan, while according to Amnesty, Aleema Khan was taken into administrative detention on September 20 for a period of 30 days. Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan are also reportedly in custody. The organization has characterized these actions as a crackdown on the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.
Adding to the security measures, there are reports of plans to suspend mobile and internet services in parts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock during the march, while local reports suggest that a proposal is under consideration to restrict mobile services on September 26 and September 27 in specific areas to prevent coordination among protesters. These comprehensive measures, ranging from road closures to communication blackouts, indicate the government's intent to strictly control the situation surrounding the PTI march.