Government Cracks Down on Imran Khan Supporters in Islamabad

On Friday, a significant clash unfolded in Islamabad as the government took decisive action to thwart an anti-government rally organized by supporters of the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The situation escalated quickly, leading to the arrest of at least 30 individuals as authorities sought to prevent the protesters from reaching D-Chowk, a central location in the capital known for political demonstrations.

The government had implemented strict measures, sealing off the city and blocking cellphone services not only in Islamabad but also in several other urban areas. This move was part of a broader strategy to maintain order and prevent any potential unrest. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Imran Khan, has been vocal in its opposition to the current ruling coalition, which they claim is illegitimate, having been formed after what they describe as a fraudulent election.

As tensions rose, police deployed tear gas to disperse demonstrators, and videos circulating on social media indicated that even Imran Khan's sisters were among those arrested. The authorities had strategically placed shipping containers to block entry and exit points in Islamabad, with a heavy police and paramilitary presence ensuring that no gatherings could take place. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the government's stance, stating, "If someone plans to storm Islamabad, we wouldn’t let that happen." He urged the PTI to postpone their rally to avoid disrupting the upcoming meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) scheduled for mid-October.

In a concerning development, mobile networks were shut down across the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, leading to widespread disruption of internet services throughout the country. Amnesty International condemned these actions, stating that the blanket shutdown infringes on citizens' rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and peaceful assembly. They highlighted that such restrictions are part of a troubling trend of suppressing protests in Pakistan through internet blackouts, mass arrests, and the arbitrary enforcement of Section 144.

As the situation unfolded, Prime Minister Naqvi reiterated the importance of maintaining order, especially with high-profile international visitors, including the Malaysian Prime Minister and a Saudi delegation, arriving in the country. He warned that any unrest in the capital would send a negative signal to the world ahead of the conference.

Despite the government's warnings, Imran Khan called on his supporters to gather outside parliament, urging them to proceed to D-Chowk for a peaceful protest. He declared, "This war has entered a decisive phase," reflecting the ongoing struggle between his party and the current government. Although Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023, candidates aligned with him secured the most seats in the February general elections, although they fell short of forming a government.

In light of the escalating tensions, Islamabad police issued a stern warning against any attempts to disturb the peace, reiterating that all gatherings had been banned. Schools were closed, and cellphone services were suspended in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with a telecom official confirming that these measures were taken on the interior ministry's orders. Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced that all its flights were operational, urging passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled departures.

This situation in Islamabad highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan and raises questions about the balance between maintaining public order and upholding citizens' rights to protest. As the country navigates these challenges, it remains crucial for all parties involved to engage in dialogue and seek peaceful resolutions to their differences. The unfolding events serve as a reminder of the importance of democratic processes and the need for transparency in governance.