Live Updates: PTI’s 'final showdown': Islamabad sealed, highways blocked amid security warnings
Federal govt braces for major political showdown as PTI prepares to march towards IslamabadPTI’s 'final showdown': Islamabad sealed, highways blocked amid security warnings
On the call of its Founding Chairman Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will stage what it has declared a decisive protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad today November 24.
The protest aims to secure the release of former premier Imran Khan and press for other party demands.
The federal capital has been effectively locked down, with major highways and entry points sealed to prevent protesters from reaching the designated venue.
Convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, are scheduled to converge at Swabi at 11 a.m. before making their way towards Islamabad.
Also Read: Terrorism threat alert issued ahead of PTI protest
PTI leadership has reiterated its commitment to reaching D-Chowk despite the blockades and government-imposed restrictions.
CM Gandapur vows to overcome all obstacles
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has vowed to overcome all obstacles to reach the protest site, even hinting at the use of private machinery to remove roadblocks.
"No matter how many containers the government places, we will proceed to Islamabad and stage our sit-in until our demands are met," he declared.
Shandana Gulzar, another senior PTI leader, echoed this resolve, stating, "Even if it takes us 100 hours, we will not back down. Wherever the roads are blocked, we will begin our sit-in."
Also Read: Islamabad police warns against violation of IHC order, Section 144
In a notable absence, Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI’s founding chairman, has chosen to monitor the convoys from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister's House rather than participate directly.
Mohsin Naqvi stands firm against lawbreakers
The federal government has reiterated its intent to enforce Islamabad High Court orders banning protests and sit-ins in the capital. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned of strict action against anyone attempting to disrupt public order. Speaking at Police Lines, Naqvi emphasized, "This time, those who take the law into their hands will not be spared."
Naqvi also highlighted the arrival of an 80-member high-level delegation from Belarus, stating that maintaining peace during the official visit is a top priority. PTI leader Barrister Gauhar, in discussions with the Interior Minister, has sought time to consult with party leadership about postponing the protest.
Heightened security and terror alerts
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued a warning of potential terrorist activity targeting the protest. It reported that militants had entered Pakistan via the Pak-Afghan border to carry out attacks. Similarly, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department alerted authorities to the threat of a possible suicide attack during the protest.
Islamabad has been placed under tight security to counter these threats, with over 30,000 police personnel, including Frontier Corps (FC) and forces from other provinces, deployed. Major roads and motorways leading to the capital, including the Lahore-Islamabad and Peshawar-Islamabad routes, have been closed.
Combing operations against PTI workers
The lockdown has caused significant public inconvenience. Roads connecting Lahore, Faisalabad, and Jhelum to Islamabad have been blocked, while metro bus services in the vicinity remain suspended.
The police have already arrested over 300 PTI workers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with raids ongoing to detain additional activists.
Meanwhile, PTI Punjab’s Vice President and several other key figures have been detained as part of the government’s preemptive measures.
Flight operations to continue uninterrupted
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has dismissed rumours about suspending flight operations or passenger restrictions at airports across the country, including Islamabad.
The clarification comes amidst circulating reports alleging disruptions due to a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in the federal capital.
In a statement issued on Friday, the CAA assured travellers that flight operations at all airports, including Islamabad International Airport, are proceeding as scheduled. "Passengers arriving in or departing from Pakistan will face no hindrances," the authority stated, urging the public to disregard baseless rumours.
The clarification follows media reports suggesting that international passengers may be detained at Islamabad Airport as a precautionary measure in light of the PTI's protest. Convoys from cities such as Lahore and Peshawar are expected to converge in Islamabad later today, prompting the government to implement security measures in the city.
The CAA has categorically termed these reports "fabricated and unfounded," emphasizing that no such directives have been issued. “Passengers arriving at Islamabad Airport or any other airport in the country will not be subjected to delays or restrictions,” the statement read.
The authority further urged the public to rely only on credible sources for updates and to avoid spreading misinformation.
Khawaja Asif sees PTI ‘threat’ to national security
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Saturday that the embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) became a threat to national security.
Expressing his thoughts, Asif took a jibe at PTI founder Imran Khan, saying, “The PTI founder is habitual of holding talks with the military leadership. Holding the negotiations with the political leadership is against the status of the PTI founder.”
He continued to berate the PTI, saying, “The PTI leadership is embracing incitement.”
Speaking about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Asif said, “Ali Amin Gandapur is playing on both sides of the wicket.”
Asif stated: “No action will be taken against Ali Amin Gandapur as of now.”
Giving his take on the PTI’s forthcoming protest, Asif stated: “There is no chance of success of the PTI’s protest.”
Few days back, Asif that there was no chance of the PTI founder's release.
Speaking to media outside the Parliament House, Asif said: "It is also unlikely that Imran Khan will get relief as of now. The PTI is making full efforts to avoid staging its upcoming protest on November 24."
"Both political and military leaderships are moving the country's matters forward. We will not allow any province's attack on the center at any cost."
Asif asserted, "Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is holding talks with the establishment since day one."
"Anything can happen in the country's political landscape; there are still two days left before the PTI's protest," he stated.
Asif maintained, "The federal government can give the permission of staging the protest, but an attack on the center will not be allowed at all."
He said, "The lobby underway in the favor of the PTI founder. The PTI workers are indulged in the funding for the foreign lobby and harming the country."
Watch live coverage
Bushra Bibi will not participate in embattled PTI’s protest
Former first lady Bushra Bibi will not participate in the forthcoming protest of the embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
In a statement issued by PTI leader Sheikh Waqas Akram on Saturday, it was confirmed that Bushra Bibi will not participate in the upcoming protest. “Bushra Bibi is a housewife, and she will not participate in the protest. We have been discussing this issue regularly for the past five days," he stated.
“Bushra Bibi had no plan to be part of the public gathering,” said Akram.
On the other side, Bushra Bibi’s spokesperson, Mashal Yousafzai had also confirmed that the former first lady will not participate in the PTI’s protest.
Yousafzai said, “Bushra Bibi will not participate in the protest due to the health issues.”
Watch live coverage
Internet, broadband services to be blocked
Internet services will be suspended in several major cities starting from midnight tonight.
According to sources, the services will be suspended in Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Gujranwala.
Mobile phone services will remain operational for now, while internet and broadband services will be suspended, apparently as part of heightened security measures ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24.
Sources also indicated that a decision regarding the suspension of mobile phone services will be taken after evaluating the situation on the ground.
The Ministry of Interior has ordered the PTA to suspend mobile and internet services from midnight tonight.
The interior ministry said: "The internet shutdowns in areas with security concerns will be determined by reviewing the situation."
The spokesperson added that the internet and mobile phone services will continue as usual in other regions.
"The internet and mobile phone services would continue to operate as usual in the rest of the country," the interior ministry added.
The sources say they were currently reviewing the situation according to which they could suspend mobile and internet services tomorrow. Mobile phone and internet services are likely to be shut down from midnight tonight.
Also Read: Terrorism threat alert issued ahead of PTI protest
The National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued a threat alert about possible terrorist attacks during the upcoming Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad.
The NACTA alert highlights threats from the Fitna al-Khawarij, which is reportedly planning attacks during the PTI protest in Islamabad. It added that members of the terrorist group are planning attacks in major cities of Pakistan.
According to NACTA, several attackers associated with the group have already crossed the Pak-Afghan border and entered various cities on the nights of November 19 and 20. The group is believed to be targeting public gatherings and rallies.
“There is a credible threat of terrorism from Fitna al-Khawarij during the PTI's possible protest in Islamabad,” the NACTA statement reads, urging law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert.
Furthermore, the Islamabad administration has undertaken massive security measures to counter the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24.
Also Read: Islamabad sealed over PTI protest, security tightened across country
Key areas, including the entire area of the sensitive Red Zone and D-Chowk, have been completely sealed, with additional reinforcements arriving from other provinces to assist the Islamabad police.
A total of 2,200 containers have been placed to block 24 critical entry and exit points across the city, including 10 major points already blocked. Fourteen additional routes are set to be closed by tonight, limiting movement in and out of the capital.
Over 19,000 officers and personnel from the Punjab Police have been stationed in Islamabad, supported by Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC). Additional police forces and equipment have also been dispatched from Sindh and Azad Kashmir to bolster the Islamabad police's efforts.
Rangers personnel have been deployed at 26 No. Chungi and Tarnol, as well as Sangjani and Attock's Kati Pahari. Rangers personnel are equipped with tear gas shells and anti-riot equipment.
Also Read: Islamabad police warns against violation of IHC order, Section 144
The Islamabad police reinforced on Saturday that Section 144 is implemented in the federal capital, and urged citizens to abide by the law and avoid participating in any unlawful activities.
A police spokesperson stated that public order will be maintained as per the Islamabad High Court's directives. "All necessary steps will be taken to ensure the effective implementation of Section 144," the spokesperson added.
Emphasizing public safety, the spokesperson assured that all available resources will be utilized to protect the lives and property of citizens. "Citizens are requested not to become part of any illegal activity," the spokesperson said.
Terrorism threat alert issued ahead of PTI protest
The National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued a threat alert about possible terrorist attacks during the upcoming Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad.
The NACTA alert highlights threats from the Fitna al-Khawarij, which is reportedly planning attacks during the PTI protest in Islamabad. It added that members of the terrorist group are planning attacks in major cities of Pakistan.
According to NACTA, several attackers associated with the group have already crossed the Pak-Afghan border and entered various cities on the nights of November 19 and 20. The group is believed to be targeting public gatherings and rallies.
“There is a credible threat of terrorism from Fitna al-Khawarij during the PTI's possible protest in Islamabad,” the NACTA statement reads, urging law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert.
Also Read: Govt bound by court orders, can't allow protests: Naqvi tells Gohar
Moreover, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has also issued a suicide blast alert during the PTI protest in Islamabad. The alert was issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department.
The alert claimed that terrorists had planned suicide bombing during the PTI protest, therefore, relevant agencies should take security measures in view of a possible terrorist incident.
The department said that the threat alert had been sent by NACTA and forwarded to the relevant people.
On the other hand, Islamabad police continued to arrest miscreants as it conducts search operations in various areas of the capital in view of the November 24 protest by the PTI in Islamabad. In these operations, 200 miscreants have been arrested so far, police sources said. "Weapons were also recovered from the arrested miscreants," they added.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad police reinforced that Section 144 is implemented in the federal capital, and urged citizens to abide by the law and avoid participating in any unlawful activities.
A police spokesperson stated that public order will be maintained as per the Islamabad High Court's directives. "All necessary steps will be taken to ensure the effective implementation of Section 144," the spokesperson added.
Also Read: Naqvi tells Islamabad Police to show 'no mercy' to lawbreakers amid PTI protest plans
Emphasizing public safety, the spokesperson assured that all available resources will be utilized to protect the lives and property of citizens. "Citizens are requested not to become part of any illegal activity," the spokesperson said.
The police also warned, "Strict action will be taken against those who violate legal orders."
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi contacted PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar to discuss in detail the current situation amid PTI's protest scheduled for November 24.
Naqvi also apprised Gohar of the situation arising after the Islamabad High Court's latest order regarding the protest, and stressed that the government was bound by the orders of the court.
Govt bound by court orders, can't allow protests: Naqvi tells Gohar
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi contacted PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar to discuss in detail the current situation amid PTI's protest scheduled for November 24.
Naqvi also apprised Gohar of the situation arising after the Islamabad High Court's latest order regarding the protest, and stressed that the government was bound by the orders of the court.
During their detailed conversation, Naqvi emphasized the government's commitment to adhering to the court's directives.
"The Islamabad High Court order binds us, and we cannot allow any processions, sit-ins, or rallies,” Naqvi stated.
Naqvi also updated Gohar that a high-level Belarusian delegation is set to arrive in Islamabad on November 24, followed by the president of Belarus on November 25. The delegation will remain in the capital until November 27.
Also Read: Naqvi tells Islamabad Police to show 'no mercy' to lawbreakers amid PTI protest plans
In response, Barrister Gohar assured that he would provide a final answer after consulting with his party.
Earlier in the day, Mohsin Naqvi issued a stern directive to Islamabad Police, emphasizing that no individual involved in taking the law into their hands would be allowed to go scot-free.
During an early morning visit to the Islamabad Police Lines, Naqvi commended the efforts of the police force for their role in maintaining peace and security across the city. Key law enforcement officials, including the Islamabad police IG, chief commissioner, and DIG, were also present on the occasion.
Speaking to the officers, the minister highlighted the importance of maintaining order, especially in the lead-up to high-profile events. "A Belarusian delegation will be visiting Pakistan tomorrow, with the president’s official visit scheduled for November 25. Ensuring the safety of Islamabad during this period is paramount," Naqvi said.
On Nov 21, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had issued a clear directive to the Islamabad administration, stressing the importance of adhering to the law regarding protests, sit-ins, and rallies. The decision came in response to a petition filed by businessman Asad Aziz, which raised concerns about disruptions to the lives and livelihoods of residents due to political gatherings announced by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on November 24.
Read also: IHC orders no protests without legal approval in Islamabad
In his written judgment, Chief Justice Aamir Farooq stressed the constitutional balance between the rights to assembly and movement, stating that these rights are subject to reasonable and proportionate restrictions. The court cited the recently enacted Peaceful Protest and Public Order Act 2024, which mandates prior approval from the District Magistrate for any public assembly in Islamabad.
The court noted that PTI had announced a rally and sit-in on November 24 but had not yet filed the requisite application for permission. It also highlighted the significance of maintaining law and order in light of the upcoming visit of the Belarusian president on November 25, which involves heightened security measures.
“While the right to protest is fundamental, it must not infringe on the rights of other citizens or disrupt critical state functions,” the judgement read.
The court directed the Interior Ministry to form a committee, including the chief commissioner of Islamabad and other relevant officials, to hold formal discussions with PTI's leadership. The aim is to address security concerns and minimize disruptions to public life.