Authorities tighten security in Pakistan’s capital as protests loom

Authorities in Pakistan’s capital region have reinforced restrictions on public gatherings and protests, citing security concerns, ahead of planned demonstrations related to jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

The initial restrictions in Islamabad were issued on Nov. 18 by Additional District Magistrate Shahzada Muhammad Yousaf under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, banning all assemblies of five or more people, processions, rallies, and demonstrations for two months across the city.

The measures are particularly strict in the high-security Red Zone, which includes parliament, foreign embassies, and the Islamabad High Court. In recent days, the administration has emphasized these restrictions in light of anticipated protests.

In neighboring Rawalpindi, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema issued a fresh three-day order from Dec. 1 to 3 prohibiting gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, and protests involving five or more people. The order also bans carrying weapons or objects that could be used for violence, displaying firearms except by law enforcement, the use of loudspeakers, and pillion riding on motorcycles.

The measures follow protests called last week by PTI outside the Islamabad High Court after prison authorities denied meetings with jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. Since taking office, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has reportedly blocked eight separate requests to meet Khan.

Last week, Afridi staged an overnight sit-in outside the jail and later went to the Islamabad High Court with Aleema Khanum, who filed a petition. They sought a meeting with Chief Justice IHC Sarfaraz Dogar, which did not take place.

PTI leaders have announced plans for weekly Tuesday protests outside the court, followed by marches to the jail. Speaking to reporters on Monday, PTI National Assembly member Shahid Khattak said the party will go ahead with the protest outside the Islamabad High Court as scheduled.

“It is not surprising that the government has imposed Section 144 ahead of our protest, but if they allow family members and lawyers to meet Imran Khan tomorrow, we will call off the demonstration,” he said.