Political Tensions Escalate in Pakistan as JI and PTI Hold Protests
Political tensions in Pakistan reached a new high as over 1,150 activists from Jamat-e-Islami (JI) were arrested across various cities. They were attempting to march on Islamabad to protest against the soaring inflation, particularly the massive hike in electricity prices. Concurrently, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) canceled its planned rally in the federal capital due to security concerns raised by local authorities on Friday.
JI has been vocal against the significant increase in electricity prices, which has burdened the average Pakistani citizen. The protests were aimed at drawing attention to these economic hardships. However, the federal capital was effectively isolated with containers, cutting it off from surrounding areas including Rawalpindi, to prevent the march from reaching its intended destination.
In Islamabad, strict security measures were implemented. Various roads were blocked, causing widespread traffic disruptions. Section 144, which prohibits assemblies, processions, and protests, remained in force across Punjab and the federal capital. Law enforcement personnel were deployed to ensure compliance, urging citizens to avoid illegal activities.
Despite these measures, several JI members were arrested by Islamabad police while attempting to gather at D-Chowk. Similar arrests occurred in Lahore as JI protestors aimed to march towards Islamabad.
In response to the arrests and barricades, JI’s Rawalpindi Emir Arif Sherazi announced a sit-in outside Liaquat Bagh instead of D-Chowk. This sit-in will continue until their demands are met. JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman is leading a procession from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is expected to join the sit-in at Liaquat Bagh.
Rawalpindi Central Police Officer Khalid Mahmood Hamdani confirmed that JI had been permitted to rally in Liaquat Bagh after agreeing to certain SOPs. He assured that the situation remained peaceful and under control.
On the other side, PTI called off its rally in Islamabad after being denied permission due to security concerns. PTI’s demonstrations across the country were focused on demanding the release of the party’s founder, Imran Khan, and other detained party leaders.
The federal capital was under tight security with significant blockades on major roads to prevent PTI’s rally from converging in the city. The police maintained that they would not allow any unauthorized protests in Islamabad, particularly in sensitive areas like the Red Zone.
The security measures led to significant disruptions in Islamabad. The Faizabad interchange and the road leading to Parliament House from D-Chowk were heavily barricaded. Although traffic moved without much trouble in some areas, the presence of police and the constant threat of protests created an atmosphere of tension.
Authorities emphasized the importance of maintaining order, particularly in sensitive locations. The police were firm in their stance that no protests would be allowed in the Red Zone without prior permission.
The ongoing protests by JI against inflation and PTI’s demonstrations for the release of their leaders highlight the volatile political climate in Pakistan. With strict security measures in place and a significant number of arrests, the situation remains tense. Both the government and the protesting parties are in a standoff, with the public caught in the middle, facing disruptions and uncertainties.