The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans to hold a protest today at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore today (Saturday).

To thwart the protest, the provincial government has made extensive preparations, which include the arrest of PTI activists, closing off the city’s entry and exit points, imposing Section 144, and deploying heavy security forces.

In addition to the police, Ranger units will also be on duty. So far, the police have detained over 250 activists, and the administration has already positioned a large number of containers around Minar Pakistan.

All routes leading from Lahore to the Islamabad motorway have been blocked with containers, causing significant difficulties for citizens at the Lahore-Sialkot motorway, Babu Sabu Interchange, and Thokar Niaz Baig entry points.

Roads blocked

All routes leading from Lahore to the Islamabad motorway have been blocked with containers, causing significant difficulties for citizens at the Lahore-Sialkot motorway, Babu Sabu Interchange, and Thokar Niaz Baig entry points.

The police have set up a camp on the Azadi Flyover to handle potential situations, and containers have been positioned to block roads near Data Darbar. As of now, the Deputy Commissioner has not issued any No Objection Certificate (NOC).

With the motorway closed, traffic pressure will be increased on GT Road, which can cause difficulties for travelers.

Crackdown on PTI workers

Yesterday, police in Lahore declared the PTI workers arrested during the protest as troublemakers. Additionally, orders have been issued for the arrest of 1,590 more PTI activists.

In Islamabad, the state measures against PTI protesters appeared to be effective. Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy managed to move past a few initial obstacles but was halted by severe shelling near Katti Pahari in Hassan Abdal.

The crackdown continued from D-Chowk to China Chowk, resulting in the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, and activist Azam Khan. The police have apprehended approximately 1,600 activists from the twin cities.

Section 144 imposed

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in Lahore, Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Attock, prohibiting all forms of political assemblies, gatherings, rallies, and protests.

This restriction will remain in effect in Lahore until October 8, in Mianwali until October 7, and in Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Attock until October 6. Additionally, pillion riding has been banned in Rawalpindi and Attock for Friday and Saturday.

The government has deployed nine companies of paramilitary Rangers to perform duties in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Attock on Saturday.