LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership has changed its plan for the November 24 protest, barring workers from Punjab from coming to Islamabad.
As the PTI prepares for Sunday’s protest in Islamabad, its leadership on Saturday changed its plans amid tight security measures by the government.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi contacted PTI Chairman Barrister Gauhar and said that the government is bound by the Islamabad High Court order. Mohsin Naqvi added that “no gathering, sit-in or rally can be allowed in the current circumstances.”
According to sources, the PTI leadership has asked workers across Punjab, including Lahore, not to come to Islamabad and protest in their respective areas.
PTI Lahore workers have been directed to protest in the city’s Batti Chowk area.
All local leaders and ticket holders have been directed to participate in the protest led by Salman Akram Raja.
Similarly, PTI will also protest in other cities of Punjab and local workers will attend gatherings in their respective areas instead of going to Islamabad.
Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar said that due to the road closures, many workers have reached Rawalpindi through different trains. He said that after the roads open, workers from other cities will also head to Islamabad.
Roads leading to the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been closed.
Hostels, guesthouses and hotels have been vacated, while ‘no entry’ boards have been put up for vehicles on motorways.
The entrances to the twin cities have been blocked at 33 places while containers have been placed at all places.
Authorities have closed the Faizabad Interchange while the metro bus service connecting Pindi and Islamabad has also been suspended.
Islamabad Police have closed all the main entrances to the capital. The road leading to Adiala Jail has been blocked by erecting barriers. Containers have been placed around Iran Avenue, Margalla Road. Murree Road, Faizabad has also been closed.
