Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Commits to Safeguarding Islamabad as Imran Khan's Supporters March for Protests

Pakistan's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, pledged to safeguard Islamabad as thousands of Imran Khan's supporters headed to the capital for a protest. This comes amid heightened security and restricted mobile and internet services. The former premier, aged 72 and currently jailed, called for nationwide protests on November 24, criticising what he described as a "stolen mandate" and unjust arrests.

Naqvi expressed concerns about the protest's timing, noting it coincided with a visit by a Belarusian delegation. "If you wish to protest, that is your right, but you know exactly who is coming and you have been blocking off roads and causing trouble," he stated. The delegation, led by Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzinkov, arrived ahead of President Alexander Lukashenko’s visit.

Security Measures and Public Disruptions

Security forces, including Rangers, police, and Frontier Constabulary, have been deployed around D-Chowk. This area is near key government buildings such as the Presidency and Parliament. Naqvi mentioned that while blockades are in place, they are less severe than previous ones. He added that mobile services remain operational in some areas despite internet shutdowns.

The federal government has taken extensive measures to prevent the protest from disrupting the city. Key roads have been sealed with containers placed strategically across Islamabad. These include the Srinagar Highway and GT Road. Public transport services like metro buses have been halted, affecting connectivity between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Political Tensions and Legal Warnings

Information Minister Atta Tarar noted some city routes are closed due to the protest. He blamed those responsible for the closures for causing inconvenience. The government declared a public holiday for educational institutions in Islamabad due to roadblocks. Meanwhile, Khan's supporters were still en route to the capital.

The Interior Ministry stressed that no protests or sit-ins would be allowed in Islamabad per court orders. Any attempts to disrupt public order will face legal action. Khan urged people to join the protest, calling it a movement for freedom and justice. The government warned against unlawful demonstrations.

Protest Convoys and Arrests

A convoy led by Khan's wife Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur departed from Peshawar for Islamabad. Although Bibi was part of the convoy, she was not expected to attend the protest. KP government spokesperson Muhammad Ali Saif claimed police attempted to sabotage anti-barricading machinery.

In Rawalpindi's Faizabad area, police arrested around 16 protesters trying to enter Islamabad. Opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan stated their aim was to reach the capital with convoys from Abbottabad and Mansehra joining them. Their mission is to release their party founder.

Impact on Transport Services

Pakistan Railways suspended train services between Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar due to the ongoing protest. Public transport disruptions extended to metro bus services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. All bus terminals at Faizabad were barricaded, affecting travel between the twin cities.

Khan has faced numerous legal challenges since his government's dismissal through a no-confidence motion in 2022. He remains in Adiala Jail with over 200 cases against him according to his party. Despite these challenges, his party won the most seats in February's general elections even without an election symbol.

The political climate remains tense as Khan's party accuses ruling parties of stealing power at the federal level through unfair means. The situation continues to evolve with potential implications for Pakistan's political landscape.