Mobile Services Halted in Islamabad and Rawalpindi Ahead of PTI Rally

In a significant turn of events, mobile services were suspended in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi as authorities blocked all entry and exit points ahead of a planned rally by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. This decision comes amidst rising tensions between police and PTI protesters, who have been vocal against the imprisonment of their founder, Imran Khan. The situation escalated on Friday night when police clashed with demonstrators, leading to the deployment of Pakistan Army contingents in the federal capital to maintain order.

As the night unfolded, at least 30 protesters were arrested when police resorted to firing tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to reach D-Chowk, a central location for political gatherings in Islamabad. Despite a ban on public gatherings, Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated, called on his supporters to participate in a "peaceful protest." This rally is part of a series of demonstrations organized by the PTI, which have been taking place across the country in recent weeks. The party's agenda includes protesting against what they describe as the "illegal" imprisonment of Khan and the delays by the Election Commission of Pakistan in implementing a verdict regarding reserved seats.

In light of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the government had previously issued strict guidelines regarding public gatherings. However, the PTI's failure to adhere to these regulations has led to confrontations with law enforcement. The Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, had warned the PTI just a day prior to the rally, advising against any public demonstrations due to the presence of foreign dignitaries in the capital. Additionally, Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, who has maintained a cordial relationship with the PTI, also urged the party to postpone their events until the foreign visitors had departed.

As the police took measures to control the situation, they blocked all access points to Islamabad, and tear gas was deployed in an effort to disperse the protesters. The PTI, undeterred, continued to share updates about their caravans departing from various cities, indicating a strong resolve among their supporters.

This ongoing situation highlights the deepening political divide in Pakistan and raises questions about the right to peaceful assembly in the face of governmental restrictions. As citizens observe these developments, it is crucial to consider the implications of such actions on democracy and civil liberties in the country. The unfolding events serve as a reminder of the importance of dialogue and understanding in resolving political disputes, rather than resorting to confrontation and unrest.