- Roads connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been blocked.
- Double-layered containers have been set up at Faizabad.
- Metro services are suspended until further notice.
- Authorities have also banned pillion riding, causing inconvenience for commuters.
- Mobile services, suspended earlier, were partially restored by night.
- Numerous PTI workers have been arrested, including Imran Khan’s sisters.
- Army troops have been deployed in Islamabad amid the PTI protests.
- KP Chief Minister Gandapur’s convoy was stranded at the Burhan interchange until late at night, demonstrating his determination to reach D-Chowk at all costs.
Islamabad remained tense on Friday . The day was marked by Road closures , blockades, arrests, Tear Gas , Smoke and mobile service suspension amid PTI protests .
Imprisoned PTI leader Imran Khan once again urged his supporters to gather for a “peaceful protest,” as the party intensified preparations for today’s demonstration, despite a ban on public gatherings. Another rally is planned for Lahore’s Minar-i-Pakistan on Saturday.
In recent weeks, PTI has held several rallies nationwide, protesting Khan’s “unlawful” imprisonment and the Election Commission of Pakistan’s delay in implementing the reserved seats decision, while also advocating for the protection of the Constitution.
Ahead of its earlier rallies in Islamabad and Lahore, the government imposed strict guidelines, which PTI failed to fully observe, resulting in clashes between its workers and authorities.
On Friday, PTI shared updates on caravans departing from various cities, despite warnings from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi the day before, advising against any rally in Islamabad due to high-profile foreign visits.
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who has maintained friendly ties with PTI recently, also called on the party to delay its gatherings until the foreign dignitaries had left.
Police have blocked all entry points to the city, and tear gas has been used to disperse protesters.
Speaking to the media at D-Chowk, Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said:
“We are acting where there are attempts to harm police or damage property. So far, over 30 arrests have been made, and we are updating the numbers. We will not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands.”
Footage shared by PTI showed the arrests of its supporters, with protesters chanting “Release Imran! Release Imran!” while holding pictures of Imran Khan and waving PTI flags less than a kilometer from the red zone.
