Islamabad on high alert: PTI rally sparks citywide lockdown

ISLAMABAD: A massive security operation is underway in Islamabad, with large sections of the city sealed off ahead of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally. The rally, aimed at securing the release of a jailed party leader Imran Khan, has prompted authorities to block major roads and highways, causing widespread traffic disruptions.

Senior PTI leaders, including Chairman Imran Khan and Opposition Leader Umar Ayub, inspected the rally site on Saturday night and expressed satisfaction with the preparations.

Moreover, a large central stage has been erected using containers, and a massive security deployment is in place.

Major routes into the city, including the Express Highway, have been blocked with barricades and containers. The closure of key bridges, such as the Khonda Bridge and Sangjani Bridge, has caused long traffic jams, with travelers facing significant delays.

The restrictions have also affected access to the city from neighboring provinces, with containers placed at the Attock Khurd police checkpoint on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab border.

Meanwhile, accusations have surfaced that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, led by Gandapur, is using state resources to support the PTI rally.

Rescue officials, including fire trucks and ambulances, have been deployed to Swabi, and some PTI leaders from Sindh were halted near Qazi Ahmed Road due to roadblocks.

Authorities claim that PTI workers are responsible for the obstructions, adding to the tensions ahead of the rally.