Politics Pakistan shuts down capital due to protests

Due to announced protests, Pakistan's government once again cordoned off a large area of the capital Islamabad on Sunday. The authorities deployed riot police, had all access routes to the capital blocked with shipping containers and suspended mobile internet service, according to local media reports. At least six highways and major expressways connecting Islamabad with the rest of the country were also closed.

Earlier, the PTI, the party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, had called on thousands of workers to gather outside the parliament building in Islamabad for a protest rally. There was also the prospect of a sit-in until Khan is released.

On Thursday, a court in the capital had declared the PTI's protests illegal. "We will maintain law and order and arrest every single protester," Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced to media representatives.

No disruption wanted

The government had already sealed off the capital several times in recent months to prevent protests.

According to information minister Atta Tarar, the Belarusian president is due to visit the capital for three days from Monday. The government will ensure that the visit takes place without any disruptions, Tarar told journalists. During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in October, there were PTI protests and clashes with security forces in Islamabad.

Former Prime Minister Khan has been in prison since August 2023 after being found guilty of corruption. He is also facing trial for inciting violence on May 9, when his supporters rioted and attacked military installations. Khan denies the allegations, but has repeatedly called on his supporters to demonstrate for his release.

SDA