PTI protest: Punjab, Islamabad sealed; mobile service suspended
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) scheduled protest rally in Islamabad’s D-Chowk today has prompted authorities to enforce widespread closures and increased security across Punjab and the federal capital.
In anticipation of the protest, all entry and exit points as well as major routes from Lahore to Islamabad have been blocked, with heavy police presence and containers set up to prevent movement. The police has also arrested three PTI workers from Islamabad’s D-Chowk.
Lahore roads sealed, Section 144 imposed
Lahore’s key entry and exit points, including the Thokar Niaz Baig Motorway M2 and Babu Sabu Interchange, have been completely sealed off. Containers, police vehicles, and water cannons have been stationed at these major locations to prevent the movement of protestors and ensure public order.
Lahore’s Babu Sabu Interchange has been closed to normal traffic with water cannons, containers, prison vans station, causing significant disruptions for citizens travelling to Islamabad. Heavy police force is also present at Babu Sabu Interchange.
Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab, with a ban on public gatherings, sit-ins, and protests from Oct 3 to 8.
After Rawalpindi and Attock, the Punjab government has also called in Rangers in Lahore also to aid in maintaining law and order, with three companies deployed to the city on October 5. Similar restrictions are in place in Sargodha, where Section 144 will remain in effect until October 6.
