Islamabad, Pakistan: The Media Blackout, the closure of roads with cargo containers, and the cutting of the capital city of Islamabad from the rest of the country were followed by the closure of educational institutions in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Murree to manage the protest announced by PTI.
Internet services remained disrupted in the entire Punjab province, while social media platforms were also clamped. Sharing audio messages and graphics was not possible even on the second day of the PTI protest that started yesterday (Sunday, November 24).
Administrative panic of the government could be gauged by the fact that Motorways including M1, M2, M3, M4, M-11, and M14 had been closed down linking Rawalpindi-Islamabad to the rest of the country. At the same time, Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) had also been closed at Attock Bridge so Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protestors could reach Islamabad. Meanwhile within Lahore and Islamabad, public metro bus services have also closed down for an indefinite period.
The federal as well as Punjab governments claim that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had already lost public support and its popularity is touching the lowest level of its political history but both governments have taken extraordinary security and administrative measures to stop PTI followers from reaching Islamabad. Entry points of Lahore city have also been closed down.
Islamabad and Islamabad have also been disconnected from Azad Kashmir as all entry points from Azad Kashmir have also been closed down with cargo containers.
It may be mentioned that former prime minister Imran Khan issued a “final call” for a protest on November 24, 2024, claiming that the February 2024 General elections were rigged and his mandate was stolen. He is also protesting against the 26th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a ‘road to the dictatorial regime’.
