ISLAMABAD, May25(ABC): Amid blockades and crackdown against party workers across the country, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march announced by former prime minister Imran Khan following public rallies held across the country will start today (Wednesday).
The former prime minister and PTI chairman will reach Swabi by helicopter from Peshawar, leading the procession from Ambar Interchange.
The PMLN-led federal and Punjab governments have closed several roads leading to Islamabad from various Punjab cities and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province in an effort to stop PTI activists from marching on Islamabad.
The PTI chairman announced that he would welcome party activists at Islamabad’s Srinagar Highway at 3pm on Wednesday, May 25. On Tuesday, he said he would lead the march from KP to Islamabad.
The government has cut road links between KP and Punjab as police parties continue to raid the homes of PTI activists. The authorities have also imposed Section 144 in Sindh, Punjab, and Islamabad Capital Territory, banning the assembly of more than four people.
Lahore
Most extensive road blockades were seen in the Punjab capital of Lahore where the government placed shipping containers over the Ravi Bridge. A heavy contingent of police was deployed there.
The blockade caused a massive traffic jam as the old Ravi Bridge has already been closed for heavy traffic.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad
In Rawalpindi, the government has sealed all the bus terminals, effetively shutting down inter-city public transport. The most import Pirwadhai and Soan bus terminals were sealed first.
The authorities have told transporters not to ply their vehicles for the next few days.
In Islamabad, the authorities started sealing the red zone soon after Imran Khan spoke on Sunday. The PTI is planning to stage protracted a sit-in near the Srinagar Highway — the main artery of the city — without entering the red zone.
The government would be deploying over 22,000 security personnel near the sit-in including 4,000 from Pakistan Rangers and 8,000 from Punjab Constabulary. At least 2,000 anti-riot police officers and another 2,000 Sindh police personnel have also been called in to assist Punjab police.
Section 144
Meanwhile, Sindh and Punjab governments and the Islamabad capital territory administration have imposed Section 144.
Under Section 144, the display of arms and the assembly of more than five people is banned. Along with this, a ban has also been placed on the tools that could possibly be used for aggression as well as provocative speeches.
It has also been learned that the Punjab government is also considering summoning the paramilitary Rangers to ensure the law and order situation in the province.
IHC bars govt from harassing workers
Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered government to stop harassing workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
IHC conducted hearing on plea of PTI against closure of roads and possible arrests of its leaders and workers in the federal capital.
The court directed officials to not harass anyone unnecessarily and issued notices to IGP, Chief Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Islamabad.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked that unbridled protests cannot be allowed in the federal capital and how will miscreant elements be dealt with if they reach Islamabad under guise of a protest.