All eyes on Islamabad ahead of protest by ex-PM Khan’s party

PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) founder and ex-PM of Pakistan announced a protest against the government. The protests sparked a tense situation after the arrest of many important leaders of the opposition party who were involved in it. Many PTI supporters have been detained by the authorities of Punjab after the clash with law enforcement. These protesters also tried to breach and squabbled with the securities to reach Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh and they are accused of other acts of vandalism, stone pelting and more. The powerful figures like Imran Khan, Ali Amin Gandhapur, Barrister Gohar Khan are charged under anti-terrorism laws for whipping up violence during the protest.

The government accuses the protesters for commencing scuffling during the protest but it has been denied by the supporters of ex-PM Imran Khan. A video footage has gone viral which showcases that the police haggle with the protestors purposely and they are attacked by firing tear gas shells. The roads from the twin city of Rawalpindi to Islamabad were already blocked since Thursday by placing containers. It is followed by the suspension of mobile services from the early morning. Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned that there will be no leniency shown upon the protesters.   

“Paramilitary forces, army, and rangers have been called in. We have to ensure security in the [federal capital]. We hope that KP CM will not resort to any move that could bring disrepute to the country.

The PTI is a party of Pakistan, not a foreign entity. When a head of state is present in Islamabad and you plan to onrush at that time, this is completely inappropriate. You have time till tomorrow… review your protest call as there is no permission at all to launch assault. If anyone does this tomorrow, they should not expect any leniency. This is a very thin line for us” said Mohsin Naqvi.

This situation brings more apprehension to the government and the security officials because a high-level Saudi delegation, the Prime Minister of China, is arriving in Islamabad. The Multilateral Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will take place this month in Pakistan which is really crucial for the country’s development. The government is now more concerned over these events.

“As a Pakistani, it is my obligation to say that protest is everyone’s right and you should do it. But don’t do it at a price because of which your country gets defamed or God forbid, even a minor incident takes place during the Malaysian Prime Minister’s movement due to which we will keep on paying a price for all times to come” warns the Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi against the PTI protesters and the supporters of ex-PM Imran Khan.