Troops of the Pakistan Army took control of the security situation in Islamabad on October 4, 2024, hours after the federal government approved their deployment.
Nukta
Pakistan Army troops took over security responsibilities in Islamabad hours after the federal government approved their deployment under Article 245.
The government’s move came in response to the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) defying the ban on protests, and clashing with law enforcers throughout much of Friday.
As per reports, the deployment of army troops in Islamabad and surrounding areas had been completed, and the army had begun patrolling.
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Interior minister observes situation
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also made a late-night visit to the ministry's control room.
He reviewed the monitoring process of various parts of Islamabad and observed the city's situation through CCTV cameras.
The interior minister was briefed on the overall situation in Islamabad. Secretary of Interior Khurram Ali Agha was also present. "No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands," the minister stated.
He added, "Maintaining law and order and protecting citizens' lives and property is the top priority," asking ministry officials to "keep a close watch on disruptive elements."
Islamabad showdown
PTI supporters rallied in the capital on Friday, protesting against recent constitutional amendments and the continued imprisonment of party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.
In response, the federal government enforced a complete lockdown of Islamabad. Authorities arrested Imran Khan's two sisters at D-Chowk, later transferring them to a women's police station.
Pakistan's Interior Ministry's notification regarding the military deployment in Islamabad.Courtesy: Pakistan's Interior Ministry
While party supporters coming from different cities could not enter Islamabad, those who gathered inside the capital were tear-gassed by the Islamabad Police. Scores were arrested, including the PTI's women members.
Soon after, the Ministry of Interior announced military deployment in a statement, specifying that troops would be stationed in the capital from October 5 to October 17.
The deployment is part of security measures for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and has been authorized under Article 245 of the Constitution.
Entry and exit points sealed
Authorities sealed all entry and exit points to Islamabad the night before. Hundreds of containers were placed to fortify the Red Zone, home to the parliament and key government offices.
A force of 6,000 police and paramilitary personnel was deployed to prevent demonstrators from reaching D-Chowk, the protest’s planned epicenter.
Despite the heavy security, PTI leadership remained defiant. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, leading convoys toward Islamabad, vowed to follow Khan's directives and break through the barricades. "We will make our way to Islamabad, despite the violence and obstacles," Gandapur declared.
Nearly 300 containers were positioned to block major routes, and the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway (M-1) was shut near Burhan Interchange, redirecting light vehicles through Hassan Abdal.
Meanwhile, Islamabad police announced via their social media that Section 144, banning gatherings, was in effect.
“The law will take action against anyone disrupting peace,” police warned, advising citizens to avoid illegal activities. They also cautioned travelers of potential road closures.
Imran renews call for protest
Taking to X early morning, Imran Khan said that their struggle had entered a decisive phase, claiming that they were “winning the fight against true freedom.”
“I want you all to reach D Chowk Islamabad today (Friday, Oct. 4) for a peaceful protest and citizens of Lahore and its surrounding districts to prepare for a protest at Minar-e-Pakistan on Saturday, Oct. 5 (tomorrow),” Imran Khan, who is in prison, said to his supporters.
“You should not be afraid of any sacrifice for your freedom and do not retreat from it. Freedom is your right … Democracy and the rule of law have completely ended in our country, for which we have to fight hard.”
All eyes on Gandapur
All eyes are on Gandapur, who is expected to face resistance at the Attock bridge on the M-1 motorway. Surrounded by supporters at the Peshawar High Court, he encouraged party members to join the protest for “true freedom.”
The situation has already led to a crackdown on PTI supporters, with over 400 arrests, including 14 from Islamabad’s Bhara Kahu area. Authorities reported confiscating slingshots and marbles from some of the detained individuals.
The protest has prompted the closure of all private schools in Islamabad, and Metro Bus service between the capital and Rawalpindi was suspended. Mobile networks were temporarily shut down in both cities, leaving residents without service.
Despite government efforts to control the situation, PTI convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain undeterred, bringing food and supplies for what could be a prolonged sit-in at D-Chowk. The protest is expected to continue until Gandapur arrives at the site, according to PTI Punjab President Amir Mughal.
PTI convoys defy roadblocks
Convoys from various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, led by CM Gandapur, are making their way toward Islamabad, despite the government’s efforts to block major roads with containers. PTI supporters have reportedly brought equipment to clear obstacles and are prepared for a potentially long sit-in at D-Chowk.
"We have masks, protective gear, and food supplies," said PTI’s provincial general secretary, Ali Asghar, speaking from the Swabi Interchange. “We are determined to reach Islamabad, no matter how long it takes."
AFP
Supporters and activists of former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, gather as they shout slogans during a protest in Islamabad on October 4, 2024.
PTI leaders claim that police are using tear gas to disperse the convoys, but the party is prepared with salt and water to counter the effects. "The government is trying to intimidate us, but we are ready for any situation," said PTI leader Shandana Gulzar.
The situation remained tense as additional convoys gathered from different regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with reports that more protesters were on their way to the capital.
The PTI leadership urged supporters to remain peaceful, but the atmosphere was charged, with sporadic clashes reported between protesters and police.
Naqvi warns PTI protestors
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed grave concerns, claiming that PTI supporters are armed and preparing to “storm” the capital.
Naqvi visited D-Chowk to review security measures and uplift the morale of the police stationed there. In a media briefing, Naqvi underscored the right to peaceful protest but cautioned that many PTI supporters were arriving with weapons.
“We will not allow anyone to damage public property,” Naqvi said, apologizing to the residents of Islamabad for any inconvenience. He added that the government had previously requested the PTI to postpone their rally. “None of our security personnel are armed, but videos and images clearly show that protesters are carrying weapons,” he added.
The minister also called out KP CM Gandapur, urging him to reconsider his stance. “He has an entire province to protest in, but their approach is unacceptable,” Naqvi said.
The interior minister emphasized that the PTI’s objective is to target the capital, noting, “It’s clear they are trying to storm Islamabad. We have implemented security measures for our foreign guests, and additional precautions are in place to ensure their safety.”
Later in the day, the interior minister conducted an aerial inspection of various areas and reviewed the security arrangements and overall situation.
Expressing satisfaction with the security arrangements, he instructed authorities to deal strictly with disruptive elements.
‘Emergency could be imposed in KP’
In a severe warning, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) spokesperson in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Akhtiarwali Khan, said that the federal government could impose an emergency in KP if PTI did not stop with its obstinacy.
Wali said KP CM Gandapur's role has changed from that of a chief minister to a personal secretary. “If he will use the provincial government’s resources to attack the federation then he should be prepared for a brutal response,” he said.
Referring to PTI founder Imran Khan, he said the party cannot secure the release of its "prisoner" through protests and rallies. "The PTI has now completely transformed into the TTP," the spokesperson added, comparing it to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
Wali added that the writ of the state is established, and the riots will be dealt with exactly as riots are supposed to be dealt.
“If the PTI has decided to impose Governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, then we have no objection, but if the PTI does not stop its obstinacy, an emergency may be imposed in the province,” he said.
Amnesty International condemns clampdown against PTI
Meanwhile, in a statement shared on X, Amnesty International condemned the Pakistani government’s measures ahead of the PTI protests.
"The blanket shutdown of mobile networks and internet in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and the complete blockade of roads to the capital imposed ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests today, infringe on people's right to freedom of expression, access to information, peaceful assembly, and movement,” it said.
“These restrictions are part of a worrying clampdown on the right to protest in Pakistan through internet shutdowns, mass arrests, unlawful use of force, and arbitrary imposition of Section 144.”
As hundreds of PTI supporters have been arrested in anticipation of the protest today, the statement said that the authorities have also repeatedly weaponized sedition and anti-terror laws to press criminal charges against PTI’s leaders and supporters.
The statement also highlighted concerns about the treatment of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), noting that "on October 2, police used firearms and teargas to dismantle the peaceful PTM camp in Khyber district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa."
Amnesty International called on the Pakistani government to "immediately restore communication networks, respect the right to protest, and refrain from using any unlawful force against peaceful protesters." The organization also urged authorities to release all individuals "arbitrarily detained" ahead of the protests.
"Pakistan must adhere to its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights before, during, and after the upcoming review at the Human Rights Committee on October 17 and 18," Amnesty concluded.
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