At least 30 protesters have been arrested in Islamabad and Rawalpindi as mobile networks and internet services remain suspended ahead of a planned rally by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at D-Chowk in the capital. The arrests come amid heightened tensions as PTI supporters continue to mobilize for the protest despite a government-imposed ban on public gatherings.
Former Prime Minister and PTI founder, Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned, has once again called on his supporters to take part in a “peaceful protest” against his detention and the government’s handling of key political issues. The rally in Islamabad is set to take place today, while another is scheduled at Lahore’s Minar-i-Pakistan on Saturday.
PTI has been actively organizing rallies across the country in recent weeks, protesting what it calls the “illegal” imprisonment of Imran Khan and demanding the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to address the delay in implementing a verdict related to reserved seats. Additionally, PTI claims its protests are aimed at “saving the Constitution” of Pakistan.
Earlier this month, ahead of similar rallies in Islamabad and Lahore, the government issued strict guidelines, which the PTI was accused of failing to fully adhere to, leading to clashes between PTI workers and law enforcement agencies.
Despite Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s warning yesterday against holding any rally in Islamabad, citing security concerns due to the presence of high-profile foreign dignitaries, PTI has continued its preparations. The party has shared updates about caravans of supporters departing from various cities, signaling its intent to go ahead with the rally.
The ongoing political unrest highlights the deepening tensions between the PTI and the government as protests persist across the country. The internet suspension in Islamabad and Rawalpindi adds to the growing sense of unease as authorities try to maintain control and prevent further escalation.
