In a significant crackdown on dissent, authorities in Pakistan sealed off the capital, Islamabad, and suspended cellphone services on Friday to prevent an anti-government rally organised by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This move marks the latest in a series of protests that have surged since last month, as Khan’s supporters demand his release and contest the legitimacy of the ruling coalition government, which they claim was formed through a fraudulent election.
Officials reported that shipping containers were used to barricade the entry and exit points of Islamabad, heavily guarded by police and paramilitary forces, while police banned any gathering in the capital.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media, asserting, “If someone plans to storm Islamabad, we wouldn’t let that happen.” He urged Khan’s party to postpone the rally to avoid disrupting preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), scheduled for October 15 and 16. Notably, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and a high-profile Saudi delegation are set to visit, along with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. “We can’t allow any chaos,” Naqvi said.
Naqvi emphasised that any unrest in the capital would send a negative signal to the international community, especially with the important conference approaching. Despite this warning, Khan called on his supporters to gather outside parliament, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “I want you all to reach D-Chowk today for a peaceful protest rally. This war has entered a decisive phase.”
Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023, remains a formidable political figure. In the February general election, candidates aligned with him secured the most seats, although they fell short of forming a government. Instead, his opponents, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, established a coalition government.
In response to the planned protests, Islamabad police issued a warning, stating they would take action against anyone attempting to disturb the peace in the capital. Schools were closed, and cellphone services were suspended in Islamabad and the nearby garrison city of Rawalpindi. A telecommunications official confirmed that the suspension was enacted on directives from the interior ministry.
Melissa Enoch
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