(Web Desk Monitoring) — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) called off its planned protests for Friday, while authorities began arresting Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) workers amid rising political tensions. This led to the imposition of restrictions and deployment of security forces in key areas.
JI announced a sit-in at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) organized nationwide demonstrations against rising inflation. PTI leader Omar Ayub confirmed PTI’s participation in the nationwide protests.
Police arrested at least two workers from Express Chowk, near D-Chowk, after Friday prayers. Authorities placed containers at Faizabad, the junction between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, sealing off access to the Red Zone and D-Chowk.
In preparation for JI’s sit-in, Punjab police conducted raids, arresting several leaders and activists. JI leader Ahmad Salman Baloch reported that police raided the home of Liaquat Baloch, the party’s deputy emir, arresting two individuals while Baloch was not present.
Baloch claimed a JI rally in PP 169 was also stopped by police, alleging government panic and targeting of JI leaders’ homes.
JI chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman called for the D-Chowk protest to oppose expensive electricity contracts and overbilling. A significant number of people have started arriving in Islamabad to participate.
Islamabad police sealed off the Red Zone with containers and raided the home of JI’s central secretary general, Amir-ul-Azim. Although Azim was not arrested, his driver, Shokat Mehmood, was taken into custody.
JUI also called for nationwide protests against inflation.
PTI leader Omar Ayub announced that Friday would see widespread protests, demanding the release of Imran Khan and other party leaders. PTI planned for all MNAs to protest in their constituencies, with Shehbaz Shaheen leading the Islamabad protest.
PTI alleged that Punjab police raided the home of PTI leader Raja Basharat in Rawalpindi, arresting over a dozen individuals, including MNA Javed Iqbal in Rahim Yar Khan. The party also claimed that police raided the home and camp of PTI leader Mehr Naeemullah in Lahore, arresting five of his friends while Naeemullah escaped.
The Metrobus service was suspended between IJP and Pak Secretariat due to the planned protests, though it remained operational between Rawalpindi Faizabad and President Station.
Punjab imposed Section 144, prohibiting gatherings, rallies, and protests from today until Sunday, citing terrorism threats. The Islamabad administration also enforced Section 144, prohibiting rallies or protests and deploying police personnel in anticipation.
The situation remains tense as political tensions escalate. The coming days will be crucial in determining the course of these protests and the government’s response.
