The federal government has devised a strategy to manage the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest and sit-in in Islamabad on November 24. In preparation, the government has mobilized additional security forces, including Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel. Islamabad Police have requested 9,000 officers equipped with anti-riot gear, with a total of 5,000 Rangers and 4,000 FC personnel set to be deployed. The Ministry of Interior is coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure the law and order situation is handled effectively.
In anticipation of the protest, the Islamabad administration has imposed Section 144 for two months, banning public gatherings of five or more people. The order applies to all public places within Islamabad’s revenue limits, including the Red Zone, which houses sensitive government buildings and diplomatic missions. Authorities have cited concerns over the potential disruption of public order, unlawful assemblies, and other demonstrations.
Imran Khan, the former prime minister, has called on PTI supporters to converge in Islamabad for the protest, with the party’s leadership promising full participation. PTI sources claim that around 10,000 workers have already gathered in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and nearby areas. Workers from various provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are also being mobilized to join the protest. PTI has directed its members to stay in undisclosed locations, with plans to use multiple routes to enter Islamabad.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has vowed to lead a large convoy from his province and expressed confidence that PTI supporters will overcome any obstacles, including barriers set up by the government. He reiterated that PTI’s aim is to restore the public mandate and secure the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Tallal Chaudhry dismissed the protest as PTI’s “last nail in the coffin.” He criticized PTI’s leadership, particularly the involvement of Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, in mobilizing party workers for the protest. Chaudhry claimed that PTI’s efforts would fail, as the government had already made preparations to neutralize the protest.
In a separate development, the National Action Plan’s Central Apex Committee meeting, scheduled for Monday to discuss rising terrorism incidents, was postponed to Tuesday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will chair the meeting, which will be attended by key political and military figures. The meeting will focus on internal security and counter-terrorism strategies, with significant decisions expected on the country’s safety measures and policies.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Gandapur is also expected to address the upcoming PTI protest and ongoing tensions with the military leadership during the Apex Committee meeting.
