On Thursday, police sealed key routes leading to Islamabad through Faizabad after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced plans to hold a protest in the capital, despite the revocation of the no objection certificate (NOC) for the event.
The Faizabad Interchange was blocked by containers placed on the double road and at the Chongi No 26 bus stop, leading to long traffic jams and leaving many people stranded. The Metro Bus service in Rawalpindi and Islamabad was also suspended, and a heavy police presence was deployed along alternative routes to facilitate and secure the public.
In response to the PTI’s scheduled protests, the Islamabad district administration decided to close all public and private educational institutions on Thursday.
Security has been heightened, with the red zone areas and the entry and exit points of the federal capital sealed. D-Chowk was also closed off with containers, and while Margalla Avenue remains open from one side for entry into the red zone, it is closed off from GT Road.
The district administration in Rawalpindi has imposed Section 144 until August 24, banning public gatherings, demonstrations, and sit-ins. The administration also annulled the NOC previously issued to PTI for the rally.
Despite the cancellation of the NOC, PTI Islamabad President Amir Mughal stated on Wednesday, “We haven’t canceled the jalsa.” He emphasized that “a peaceful political struggle is our constitutional and legal right.”
The NOC was revoked based on a report from the district intelligence committee, according to an official statement. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Islamabad Chief Commissioner Chaudhry Mohammad Ali Randhawa, which also reviewed the NOC granted by the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad.
During the meeting, Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi highlighted security concerns due to multiple ongoing events. The administration cited the presence of the Bangladesh cricket team in Islamabad and the challenges of controlling the crowd at a large rally as reasons for denying permission for public gatherings.
The administration also noted that a few days prior, some protesters had reached the Supreme Court building, underscoring the difficulty of maintaining security in such situations.
Imran Khan, who was ousted as prime minister via a parliamentary vote in 2022, had decided to hold a public rally in the federal capital on August 22 after a prolonged effort to stage a power show in Islamabad.
