ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Ahead of the PTI’s November 24 protest, authorities have taken significant measures to block access to the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with roads closed off and key locations heavily secured,
In preparation for the demonstration, hostels, guest houses, and hotels have been cleared out, and ‘no entry’ signs have been posted along major motorways. Entry points to the cities have been blocked at 33 different locations, with containers placed at all key access points.
The Faizabad Interchange, a critical junction between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, has been shut down, and the Metro bus service connecting the two cities has been suspended. Additionally, the Islamabad Police have closed off several main entry points to the capital. The road leading to Adiala Jail has been obstructed with barriers, while containers have been positioned along Iran Avenue and Margalla Road. Key routes such as Murree Road at Faizabad and Sadhuki G.T. Road, as well as bridges over the Chenab and Jhelum rivers, have also been closed to traffic.
Authorities have further blocked the Gujranwala Expressway, which links the Sialkot-Lahore Motorway, to prevent access. In total, 30,000 law enforcement officers have been deployed across Islamabad, including 5,000 personnel from Sindh and 1,000 from Azad Kashmir, along with 5,000 Frontier Corps (FC) officers.
Opposition leader Omar Ayub has vowed to push forward with the protest, stating that arrangements have been made to overcome government obstacles. “We will reach Islamabad at any cost,” he declared.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, addressing police officers at Police Lines, made it clear that any individuals involved in lawlessness would be arrested. “No one will be allowed to disrupt peace or return without facing consequences,” he warned.
The minister also noted the arrival of a Belarusian delegation and the planned visit of the Belarusian President to Pakistan on Monday, emphasizing the need to keep Islamabad secure at all costs during this critical period.
