PTI protest: Roads blocked, cellular services restricted in various cities

Islamabad: Mobile and internet services have been restricted in different cities of the Punjab including twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s scheduled protest at capital’s D-Chowk.

Police has detained over 400 people across Islamabad, including 60 individuals allegedly of Afghan origin.

According to media reports, federal police have sealed D-Chowk with the installation of over 100 containers as part of heightened security measures to prevent the PTI protest rally.

Police formed a three-tier security cordon around the announced site for protest in a bid to prevent the demonstrators from entering the Red Zone.

The PTI today shared updates of its caravans departing various cities, despite being warned by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi a day ago not to hold any rally in Islamabad due to several high-profile visits by foreign dignitaries.

In Lahore, 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.

Babu Sabu Interchange in provincial capital has been closed for normal traffic while 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.

Moreover, 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.
In Rawalpindi, authorities have taken similar measures, closing all entry points to Islamabad with containers, other hindrances and a have police presence. The double road leading from Murree Road Cricket Stadium to IJP has been completely closed, as well as Charing Cross from both sides. Peshawar Road has been closed from both sides of MH Chowk, Haider Road, Fleishman Chowk.

Similarly, Marir Chowk and adjoining double road have been closed from both sides. However, the roads from Kutchehry Chowk, Sawal Bridge, and airport to Koral Chowk are open for traffic, the authorities said. 

Security has been intensified in Islamabad, where containers have been placed around D-Chowk and other sensitive areas. Police teams have been deployed at all major points, the Red Zone completely sealed off and all the entrances to the federal capital blocked with containers. 

Metro bus services between Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been suspended, and all educational institutions remain closed. The government's work-from-home advisory for private offices continues, with commercial centres expected to remain shut during the protest.

The government has decided to deal with the protesters harshly, with special police teams constituted to carry out the arrests. There is also a ban on pillion riding of motorcycles in the twin cities. 

In a bid to ensure law and order, mobile phone services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been suspended, with disruptions reported in nearby areas, including Gojar Khan, Hasanabdal, Taxila and Kallar Syedan. Alongside mobile networks, internet services have also been affected in some regions. 

Sources say that mobile service has been suspended to ensure law and order in the twin cities. However, they say broadband internet and landline services continue to function. 

Key highways leading to Islamabad, including the GT Road, have been blocked with large vehicles and containers, halting traffic from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into Punjab. Traffic congestion is widespread, with long queues reported at various points, particularly near the Jhelum River Bridge and Sarai Alamgir.

On other hand, in its crackdown on PTI protesters authorities have detained over 400 people across Islamabad, including 60 individuals allegedly of Afghan origin. Security officials arrested these individuals from areas such as Bara Kahu, Tarnol, and Sangjani. Reports suggest that police recovered sticks, slingshots, pebbles, and stones from the detainees.