PTI founder gives fresh call for ‘peaceful protest’ at D-Chowk

Islamabad: PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan on Friday again called on his supporters to gather at Islamabad’s D-Chowk for a “peaceful protest” as his party amped up preparations for the rally despite a ban on gatherings.

The PTI has carried out multiple rallies across the country in recent weeks, protesting against the “illegal” imprisonment of its founder and the Election Commission of Pakistan’s delay in implementing the reserved seat verdict, as well as to “save the Constitution”.

Ahead of its rallies in Islamabad and Lahore earlier this month, the government had issued a set of strict guidelines, which the PTI failed to follow fully, sparking clashes between its workers and the authorities.

On the other hand, a spokesman of Islamabad Police says that Section 144 is enforced in Islamabad, Police are always busy protecting the life and property of the people, and citizens are requested not to be a part of any illegal act.

The spokesperson of Islamabad police said that the law would be taken against those who disturb the peace and harmony, keeping in mind the traffic advisory in view of the road closures.

Mobile phone services are suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and security is on high alert, all roads connecting the twin cities have been closed and double-layer containers have been placed on the Faizabad Bridge, while the Islamabad Expressway has also been blocked at various points. has been sealed.

Section 144 imposed

The Punjab government has summoned the Rangers personnel while imposing Section 144 in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha ahead of PTI's Islamabad rally. 

A notification has also been issued in this regard, according to which political gatherings, sit-ins, rallies or protests have been prohibited in the said cities. 

As per the notification, Section 144 will remain imposed in Lahore till October 8, while in Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha, it will remain imposed till October 6. 

"Gatherings can be a soft target for the terrorists," the notification stated.