At least five Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) activists have been arrested in Islamabad for defying Section 144 by staging protests against inflation, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has canceled its planned rally in the federal capital after local authorities denied permission due to security concerns.
JI’s protest focuses on a significant increase in electricity prices, whereas PTI has organized nationwide demonstrations demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan, and other detained party leaders.
The federal capital is heavily fortified with containers, effectively cutting it off from surrounding areas like Rawalpindi. Strict security measures are in place in Islamabad, including blockades on major roads, which have led to severe traffic disruptions throughout the city.
Section 144 remains enforced across Punjab and the federal capital, banning assemblies, processions, and protests ahead of planned rallies by opposition parties. Law enforcement personnel have been deployed to ensure compliance, and citizens are advised against participating in unauthorized activities.
In Islamabad, five JI members were arrested while attempting to protest at D-Chowk. Additional arrests occurred in Lahore, where JI protesters were detained as they attempted to march towards the capital. In Karachi, 30 PTI workers were arrested at Teen Talwar after police initially attempted to disperse them and later detained them upon resistance. Another 10 PTI workers were arrested in Hyderabad during their protest.
Despite the arrests and restrictions, JI remains determined to hold its protest. JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman urged supporters to stage sit-ins wherever possible despite obstacles. A protest procession reached Liaquat Bagh and attempted to proceed to Islamabad via Murree Road, leading to roadblocks and police deployment to prevent entry into the capital.
A high-level security meeting was held late Thursday night, attended by law enforcement heads, local administration officials, and intelligence agencies, to address the situation. Section 144 was imposed due to concerns about terrorism and potential law and order disruptions, with police prepared to handle any issues.
JI leaders have expressed their commitment to defy the restrictions and continue their protest. JI Secretary Information Qaiser Sharif reported that police are conducting raids on party workers’ homes, including an incident where the driver of JI Secretary General Amirul Azeem was arrested. Sharif also claimed that the Punjab government is using “traditional tactics” to prevent the sit-in, with at least 70 arrests made as part of these efforts.
