The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has launched a nationwide protest, with convoys converging on Islamabad today, November 24th. The government has implemented extensive security measures in anticipation.
Following the call of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, PTI leadership has declared today’s protest a decisive moment, urging mass participation. Convoys from across the country, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, are assembling in different cities and will proceed towards Islamabad as one large convoy at 11:00 AM.
In response, authorities have implemented significant security measures. Major roads leading to Islamabad have been blocked with containers. All entry points to Lahore have been sealed, and roadblocks have been erected at 24 locations across the country, including Gujranwala, Taxila, and Jehlum.
The Mangla Bridge has also been closed. Furthermore, metro services have been suspended, bus stations closed, and hotels and hostels evacuated.
Over 30,000 police, rangers, and Frontier Corps personnel have been deployed along entry and exit routes. Deputy Commissioners from 17 districts have been stationed in Attock and Rawalpindi, with the Attock force receiving 40,000 riot control shells.
The scale of the security deployment underscores the government’s anticipation of a large and potentially disruptive protest.
All entry and exit points to Rawalpindi and Islamabad, as well as all routes leading to the federal capital from Lahore and Faisalabad, have been blocked. Containers have been used to seal off all access points to the twin cities.
Six locations, including Faizabad, have been closed off with containers. Faizabad, IJP Road, Rawat T-Chowk, Carriage Factory, Mandrah, and Taxila Road are all blocked. Kacheri Chowk will operate as a one-way street. All connecting roads in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are completely sealed.
The Ministry of Interior has written to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) requesting suspension of mobile phone and internet services. The PTA has received this request.
PTA sources indicate that mobile phone services will remain operational, but internet and Wi-Fi services will be suspended. The decision to shut down mobile phone services will depend on the evolving situation.
Due to today’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad, ground transportation links between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been severed.
The GT Road has been completely sealed off at Attock Khurd with containers placed on both sides. A heavy contingent of Rangers, Frontier Corps, and police are deployed at the Attock Khurd checkpoint.
The M1 Motorway is also completely closed at three different points in both directions. Meanwhile, PTI leadership and workers from Attock district have already reached Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
All arrangements have been made to prevent the convoy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur from entering Punjab. Forces are on high alert along the motorway and GT Road.
All entry and exit points to Lahore have been blocked in anticipation of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest, causing significant disruption and hardship for citizens.
In response to the planned protest, all connecting roads have been sealed off with containers. Motorways leading out of Lahore have been closed. Babo Sabo has also been completely shut down with containers and barriers, and a heavy police presence has been deployed.
Roads leading to Shahdara and Bhatti Chowk have been blocked from both sides. Containers are also in place on the Azadi Flyover, causing further congestion and frustration among citizens. Police officers are stationed on the flyover, some armed with batons.
The motorway connecting Lahore to Islamabad is also closed. All bus stations along the closed routes have been shut down. Lahore Ring Road is completely closed to traffic at all interchanges.
Ravi Bridge, Old Ravi Bridge, Sagian Ravi Bridge, Eastern Bypass, and Babo Sabo are completely closed to both inbound and outbound traffic. Traffic is flowing on Thokar Niaz Beg to Multan Road. Raiwind Road, Ferozepur Road, and Gujjarpura remain open to traffic.
A Lahore Traffic Police spokesperson stated that traffic within the city is flowing normally.
Meanwhile, Metro Bus service in Lahore remains limited today for passengers.
According to the Punjab Mass Transit Authority, the Metro Bus service is currently operating only between Gujjarpura and MAO College. The limited service will continue throughout the day.
Containers have been placed along the Metro Bus route, and the service will remain restricted until they are removed.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar stated that there is no possibility of negotiations and that protests will be held wherever they are stopped. He confirmed that the call for protest is final. He mentioned that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had contacted him, but he hasn’t responded yet, adding that a breakthrough is possible in a day or two.
Barrister Gohar further stated that he will remain in Islamabad and will join the protest once the convoys enter the city.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said that they will remain at D-Chowk until all demands, including the release of Imran Khan, are met.
According to the Chief Minister’s spokesperson, regardless of roadblocks or containers, they will reach Islamabad to protest and achieve their demands. They will bring private machinery to clear any obstacles, rather than relying on government resources.
PTI leader Shandana Gulzar said that whether it takes 12 hours or 100 hours, they will reach D-Chowk. She stated that regardless of government roadblocks or containers, they will stage a sit-in wherever the road is blocked.
