Authorities have barricaded Islamabad’s D-Chowk with the deployment of over 100 containers as part of enhanced security measures to obstruct the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest march.

The federal police have established a three-tier security perimeter around the protest location to obstruct demonstrators from accessing the Red Zone.

The PTI organized a significant protest at D-Chowk, leading the Islamabad police to barricade all entry points to the vicinity. To uphold law and order, the police have commenced the arrest of citizens who arrived to D-Chowk early on Friday. Two civilians and one PTI worker were among those apprehended.

Roads in Rawalpindi are closed.
Security protocols in adjacent Rawalpindi are also stringent. All principal thoroughfares from Rawalpindi to Islamabad, including Murree Road and Peshawar Road, have been obstructed with containers and barriers. Critical intersections like Charing Cross, MH Chowk, Hyder Road, and Fleishman Chowk are entirely obstructed, resulting in considerable traffic disturbances. According to local traffic police, the roads to Kutchehry Chowk, Sawal Bridge, and the airport are accessible.

Widespread detentions in Islamabad
In the government’s crackdown on PTI demonstrators, more than 400 individuals have been apprehended in Islamabad, including 60 purportedly of Afghan descent. Security personnel apprehended these suspects in locations including Bara Kahu, Tarnol, and Sangjani. Reports indicate that law enforcement retrieved sticks, slingshots, pebbles, and stones from the inmates.

Imposition of Section 144
Section 144 has been implemented in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, prohibiting public assemblies and demonstrations. The regulation prohibits pillion riding on motorcycles, with exemptions for journalists, women, children, and the elderly.

Rangers stationed in Red Zone
The government has summoned Rangers to enhance security in Islamabad’s Red Zone, assisting the local police. Substantial law enforcement units have been deployed at all principal city entrances, with containers obstructing major thoroughfares to deter any flood of demonstrators.

The government’s objective to thwart PTI’s march to D-Chowk seems to be fully operational, as security personnel ready themselves for a possible confrontation.

Metro bus services connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been halted, and all educational institutions are shuttered. The government’s advise for private offices to work from home persists, with commercial centres anticipated to stay closed during the protest.

The government has resolved to address the demonstrators with severity, deploying specialized police units to execute the arrests. A prohibition on pillion riding on motorbikes exists in the twin cities.