ISLAMABAD: Security authorities currently see no operational link between planned protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Jamaat-e-Islami in Islamabad, a senior security official said on condition of anonymity.
The official said authorities were more concerned about PTI’s September 27 mobilisation than JI’s protest against the petroleum levy and rising fuel prices, citing differences in their assessment of the parties’ previous protest activities.
PTI plans to march towards Islamabad seeking, among other demands, the release of party founder Imran Khan and implementation of court orders.
Authorities Focus on Public Order and Disruption
According to the official, security agencies are assessing the possibility of disruption to daily life, damage to public property and wider law-and-order problems.
However, the official stressed that authorities recognised the constitutional right to protest, while maintaining that demonstrations must remain within legal limits and should not bring normal civic activity in Islamabad to a halt.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said authorities will prevent groups from entering Islamabad on September 27. The Interior Ministry has also held meetings with law-enforcement agencies and provincial administrations ahead of the mobilisation.
Court Directions Shape Security Preparations
Furthermore, the Islamabad High Court recently directed chief ministers to ensure provincial resources and official machinery are not used for the PTI protest. The court also addressed the unlawful occupation of roads, highways and government buildings during demonstrations.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has maintained that the planned mobilisation will remain peaceful and constitutional, saying the party will not use government resources or forcibly enter Adiala jail.
PTI has also expressed support for JI’s protest and invited its leadership to participate in the September 27 mobilisation.
Nevertheless, the security official said authorities currently regard the two protests as separate activities and will assess each according to its conduct and compliance with the law.
