Army Deployment in Islamabad and Lahore Amid Protests by Imran Khan's Supporters

Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan gathered at D-Chowk in Islamabad, creating a tense atmosphere amid army deployment. Clashes erupted between Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters and police in both Islamabad and Lahore. In Lahore, party members attempted to march towards Minar-e-Pakistan, calling it a critical moment. Despite police efforts to block access to D-Chowk, rain and wind changes allowed protesters to reach the site by evening.

Protests and Political Tensions

Khan's supporters are demanding his release from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where he has been held for over a year. They also seek judicial independence and protest against rising inflation. The Punjab government reportedly detained over 700 workers in Lahore and other areas over two days. Hammad Azhar, the party's acting president in Punjab, announced plans to celebrate Khan's birthday at Minar-e-Pakistan and pass a resolution for "Haqeeqi Azadi" or real freedom.

The Islamabad High Court instructed the government to prevent unlawful protests during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. It also suggested allocating a specific area for Khan’s party demonstrations. Life in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore was disrupted for the second day with mobile networks down and major roads blocked to maintain order.

Army Deployment and Security Measures

Authorities called in the army to prevent rallies by Khan’s supporters in Islamabad and Lahore. The army will stay in Islamabad from October 5-17 for the SCO summit on October 15-16. Supporters led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur aimed to reach D-Chowk but faced obstacles. Gandapur eventually reached near the capital with a few vehicles.

Conflicting reports emerged about Gandapur’s status. Muhammad Ali Saif, an advisor to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, stated that Gandapur left D-Chowk for KP House but lost communication after Rangers surrounded the area. It remains unclear if Gandapur was arrested or taken into custody.

Government's Response

Despite government requests, Khan refused to delay the protest. Authorities took strict measures since Friday to prevent supporters from reaching Islamabad or D-Chowk. Highways were blocked, pillion riding banned, and public gatherings prohibited in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Metro bus services between the twin cities were suspended as police and paramilitary Rangers were deployed extensively.

In Lahore, authorities isolated the city to stop rallies at Minar-e-Pakistan by placing containers at various locations and entry points. A curfew-like situation prevailed around Minar-e-Pakistan, closed indefinitely to the public. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned against anti-Pakistan protests, accusing Khan's party of trying to disrupt the SCO summit.

The political unrest continues as authorities attempt to maintain order while balancing citizens' rights to protest. The situation remains fluid with ongoing developments expected in the coming days.