Islamabad : As police continued to clash with PTI protesters in Islamabad on Friday night, contingents of the Pakistan Army were deployed in the federal capital to assume security duties ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
At least 30 protesters were arrested as police fired tear gas to disperse PTI protesters attempting to reach Islamabad’s D-Chowk for a party rally. Incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan earlier again called on his supporters to gather for a “peaceful protest” as his party amped up preparations for today’s demonstration despite a ban on gatherings. Another one is also scheduled for Lahore’s Minar-i-Pakistan on Saturday.
The PTI has carried out multiple rallies across the country in recent weeks, protesting against the “illegal” imprisonment of its founder and the Election Commission of Pakistan’s delay in implementing the reserved seats verdict, as well as to “save the Constitution”. Ahead of its rallies in Islamabad and Lahore earlier this month, the government had issued a set of strict guidelines, which the PTI failed to follow fully, sparking clashes between its workers and the authorities.
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.
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl Maulana Fazlur Rehman, with whom the PTI has been in frequent amicable contact recently, had also urged the party to postpone its planned gatherings till the foreigners have left.
The police blocked all entry and points to Islamabad and tear gas shelling begun in an attempt to disperse protesters.
Talking to the media at D-Chowk, Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said: “Proceedings are under way wherever there are attempts to hurt police or damage property. Till now, there have been over 30 arrests. We are updating the exact numbers. It is very clear that we have a clear message that we will not allow the law to be taken into own hands.”
Separately, the federal government earlier today authorised the army’s deployment in the federal capital from October 5-17 for the security of the upcoming SCO summit and to maintain law and order.
The notification from the interior ministry said the exact area of deployment along with the number of troops would be determined later.
A statement issued on the X account of state broadcaster PTV said the army took over security duties in the federal capital. It said the army had begun patrols to protect the life and property of citizens and maintain law and order, adding that no one would be allowed to disturb the peace.
( courtesy Dawn News