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scores held as police, pTi workers clash ahead of d-chowk proTesT amid army deploymenT Saturday, 5 October, 2024 I | 1 Rabi ul Sani, 1446
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Mobile phone, internet services suspended, pillion riding banned and section 144 imposed to prevent PTI rally
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ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR/LAHORE SALEEM JADOON
LASHES continued between police and PTI workers with severe tear gas shelling in the federal capital on Friday night ahead of the party’s planned D-Chowk protest while Pakistan Army took over security of red zone amid internet and mobile service suspension and blockade of roads. The federal governed, under Article 245, approved the deployment of Pakistan Army troops for security duties ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit from Oct 5 to 17. The federal government has deployed heavy contingents of police to prevent the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf planned protest at D-Chowk on Saturday (tomorrow). To avert the party’s protest, the government has sealed off all entry and exit points of Islamabad and imposed Section 144. However, the some workers and leaders of the PTI managed to reached the D-Chowk and stage protest ahead of the scheduled rally. The police to disperse the protestors
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fired tear gas shells and arrested at least 30 protesters. 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-iPakistan on Saturday. Motorway closed, Mobile phone, internet services suspended in twin cities On other hand, mobile phone and internet services were suspended on Friday in Islamabad and Rawalpindi due to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest at D-Chowk. Besides, pillion riding on motorcycle has been banned for two days in the capital Islamabad. The district administration said the decision was taken to maintain law and order and no more than one person will be allowed to travel on a motorcycle in the city. Strict legal action will be taken against those who violate the ban. A notification regarding the restriction is expected to be issued shortly. On the other hand, the shutdown has also affected various parts of Rawalpindi, causing
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 88 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
g KP CM vows to reach Citizens struggle to reach workplaces, students and teachers experienced D-Chowk at all costs challenges in getting to education institutions for a peaceful protest
significant disruption for residents trying to stay connected. Citizens are facing difficulties in communication, with many struggling to reach their workplaces in both cities. Students and teachers are also experiencing challenges in getting to schools, colleges, and universities. The disruption of mobile and internet services further affected ride-hailing services like Uber and other travel systems, which rely on mobile networks and internet access, leaving them non-operational. In view of the PTI protest in Islamabad, the motorway has been closed from different places and containers were also placed at different cities including Lahore-Sialkot Motorway, Babu Sabu Interchange and Thokar Niaz Beg. Motorway M2 from Hafizabad to Islamabad is also closed. The motorway from Pindi Bhattian Interchange, Kot Sarwar Interchange and Khanqah Dogran is closed. Motorway M4 from Bahu Interchange to Faisalabad Interchange was closed for all types of traffic. Similarly, the motorway has been closed for all types of traffic from Attock’s Chhach Interchange, Harupal, Burhan Interchange, Katti Pahari, and Ghazi Interchange. Containers have been fixed to stop PTI convoys’ entry into Punjab from KP. Furthermore, twenty-four entry and exit points of Islamabad were completely closed by the Islamabad administration. As per the details released by the district administration and police, New Margalla Road, Sangjani Toll Plaza, Water Tank Margalla Road Bund, New Margalla Loop, F-10, 26-Chongi, Zero Point, Kheyaban Chowk, Faisal Chowk, Bri Imam T-Cross, Express Chowk, Serena Chowk, Rawat T-Cross, Khanna Pul, Lahtrar Road, Murree Road near Traffic Office, 9-Avenue, Golra Mor, Motorway Old Toll Plaza, Tarnool Chowk, Chauhar Chowk, and Peshawar Motorway Flyover were also closed.
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Armed PTI supporters planning attack on Islamabad: Naqvi ISLAMABAD: The capital is on high alert as Interior Minister Senator Mohsin Naqvi expressed concerns about armed supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) planning a protest in the city. Speaking at D-Chowk, Naqvi acknowledged the right to protest but warned that PTI activists are reportedly “carrying weapons” and could incite unrest. He stated, “We will not permit anyone to damage property,” and apologized to Islamabad residents for any disruption. Naqvi clarified that law enforcement
personnel have not been armed and mentioned that evidence, including videos, shows PTI supporters with weapons. He urged Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to reconsider his actions, emphasizing that while protests are a right, this is not the right time. He also highlighted the need to ensure the safety of foreign dignitaries in Islamabad, asserting, “I am absolutely clear that they are planning an attack on Islamabad.” STAFF REPORT
Govt calls in Army for security of SCO Summit
Punjab police nick 500 PTI workers on eve of planned protest
ISLAMABAD: Federal government has called in Pakistan Army to provide security for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, scheduled to take place in Islamabad on 15-16 October. The deployment was approved under Article 245 of the Constitution, according to a notification issued by the Interior Ministry on Friday. The notification confirmed that the army will oversee the security of key government buildings and the Red Zone in Islamabad. While the Rangers are already stationed in the capital, the military will take over security duties from 5 to 17 October, ensuring heightened protection during the summit. STAFF REPORT
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LAHORE: The Punjab Police launched a vigorous crackdown and arrested over 500 workers and leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ahead of its planned protest on Saturday (tomorrow) in Lahore. Apart from the police crackdown, the Lahore district administration has also called in three companies of the Rangers for deployment in different parts of the metropolis to ensure security. The party leaders claimed that the Punjab police raided on PTI workers’ homes since last night. STAFF REPORT
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