On Friday, the federal government deployed army troops in Islamabad in response to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest calls and ahead of this month’s Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and several high-profile visits.
The government, reacting to PTI’s planned protest at D-Chowk, enforced a total lockdown of the twin cities. Despite obstacles, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur committed to reaching the protest site. This military response includes paramilitary Rangers and Frontier Constabulary personnel. The army, stationed from October 5 to 17, aims to maintain order during the SCO events and VVIP visits, as authorized by the Interior Ministry.
Army units now oversee security in Islamabad, with a mandate to patrol key areas and safeguard public safety. “These security measures are essential for protecting lives and ensuring peace,” a security official noted.
Clashes during PTI protests have prompted increased security. “We will not allow any disruption of peace,” a security source stated, underscoring the army’s role in neutralizing threats.
Additionally, army reinforcements from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have joined to strengthen security around Islamabad, aiming to maintain public safety and law and order.
The continued protest calls from PTI have alerted the government, leading Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to warn protesters to reconsider their actions. On Thursday, he made it clear that the government would respond strongly to any disturbances, advising PTI to reconsider the protest in light of ongoing high-profile visits.
In defiance, Gandapur suggested that any negotiation to end PTI protests should involve Imran Khan, who is imprisoned. “Talk to prisoner No.804 if you want PTI to stop protesting,” Gandapur stated, referring to Khan. He confirmed that PTI supporters are determined to reach D-Chowk.
The PTI leadership has consistently called for rallies to protest what they call Khan’s “illegal” imprisonment and other grievances. These protests aim to “defend the Constitution” and uphold the rule of law.
After initially struggling, PTI successfully held its first rally outside its Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa base on September 8. A later attempt in Rawalpindi led to lockdowns and confrontations with security forces.
As PTI plans another rally in the twin cities, the government is ready to ensure the safety of the upcoming SCO summit and other significant events.
