Educational Institutions
ISLAMABAD: All educational institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will remain closed tomorrow (Monday) due to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest planned in the federal capital.
This decision was made by the district administrations in response to the current situation, with a notification issued by the capital administration confirming the closure. The move will affect all educational institutions in Islamabad, ensuring safety and minimizing disruption amidst the protest.
The PTI, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is gearing up for a high-stakes “do-or-die” protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk. The protest aims to challenge the “illegal” detention of Imran Khan, other PTI leaders, and party workers, as well as to contest what the party calls the “stolen mandate” in the February 8 general elections and the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment.
PTI has been vocal in its opposition to the government’s actions, and the protest is seen as a pivotal moment in their ongoing struggle for what they claim are democratic rights and justice.
However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) recently issued an order preventing the PTI from holding the demonstration, citing the newly implemented peaceful assembly law. This legal directive aims to regulate public gatherings and maintain public order.
The protests are further complicated by the scheduled visit of the Belarusian president from November 25 to 27, with the government concerned about maintaining law and order during this time.
To prevent any unrest, authorities have implemented a series of security measures, including deploying hundreds of police, Rangers, and Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel across the city. Islamabad’s entry and exit points have been sealed, and Section 144 has been imposed to prevent large gatherings.
Additionally, internet services have been disrupted in several major cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Peshawar, although mobile services continue to operate. The Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, confirmed the internet shutdown, explaining it was a measure to limit potential unrest.
Furthermore, the Punjab government has enforced Section 144 across the province for three days, from November 23 to 25, and has placed over 10,700 police officers on standby.
PTI’s repeated marches to the capital have seen clashes between party workers and law enforcement agencies, and the authorities are taking every precaution to avoid similar confrontations this time.
Given the volatile political climate, the closure of schools and colleges is part of the broader efforts to ensure public safety and minimize any disturbances caused by the protests. With tensions running high, both the government and PTI are bracing for a tense few days ahead.
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