ISLAMABAD: As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) geared up for nationwide protests against alleged election rigging, Islamabad police intensified security measures in the federal capital and imposed a ban on gatherings. Imran Khan’s party called for protests across the country on Saturday, prompting the authorities to heighten security in anticipation of potential disruptions.
On Saturday morning, Islamabad police declared a ‘high alert’ status in the city, implementing Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Section 144 grants district administration the authority to issue orders in the public interest, enabling them to ban specific activities for a specified period.
Security measures included increased patrolling in the city and the deployment of additional personnel at checkpoints. Authorities warned of potential traffic congestion near F-9 Park and advised the public to avoid the area during the planned protests.
Citizens were urged to carry identification documents and cooperate with law enforcement personnel at checkpoints. The PTI announced its decision to protest against the alleged theft of its mandate, calling on democratic forces to join hands to “strengthen democracy” in the country.
PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat, in a press conference in Islamabad, highlighted concerns about ‘massive rigging’ in Balochistan, turning PTI victories into defeats, and announced a countrywide peaceful protest on March 2 as directed by Imran Khan.
Marwat emphasized the importance of raising voices against the alleged electoral irregularities for the flourishing of democracy in Pakistan. He also discussed the presentation of the issue of election rigging in Balochistan before the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome.
