Islamabad (Web Desk): At least 30 people were arrested including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan amid crackdown against the protesting party workers in Islamabad on Friday.
Islamabad Inspector General of Police confirmed that more than 30 people have been arrested for violating Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
PTI workers clashed with police on Jinnah Avenue in Islamabad, where law enforcers used tear gas to disperse the protesters.
The protesters retreated towards China Chowk, with some launching glass marbles at police using slingshots. Two armoured vehicles from Islamabad police were deployed to control the situation.
Meanwhile, At the Burhan Interchange, PTI’s activists from Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa’s (KP) convoy led by clashed with the police. Tear gas was fired to control the protestors, while several party workers were arrested as they attempted to make their way into the capital.
Earlier, security forces have sealed off all routes leading into Islamabad, cutting off access from Rawalpindi to prevent further unrest.
Following the hours-long suspension, cellular services have been partially restored in Rawalpindi on Friday evening.
Ahead of the PTI’s planned rally, mobile networks and internet services had been suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The Islamabad administration has heightened security in Rawalpindi, deploying 4,000 personnel and officer.
All the roads connecting the twin cities from across Punjab including Lahore have been blocked.
Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) authorities have enforced Section 144 and the Peaceful Assembly Act across the capital, prohibiting gatherings and processions in restricted areas as part of tightened security measures.
According to a statement by police spokesperson, the high-security zone, red zone, and surrounding areas have been designated as restricted, with strict enforcement of the law. He said that the ICT Police is always busy protecting people’s lives and property.
According to a statement by police spokesperson, the high-security zone, red zone, and surrounding areas have been designated as restricted, with strict enforcement of the law. He said that the ICT Police is always busy protecting people’s lives and property.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has summoned the Rangers personnel while imposing Section 144 in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha ahead of PTI's Islamabad rally.
According to a notification issued in this regard, political gatherings, sit-ins, rallies or protests have been prohibited in the said cities.
As per the notification, Section 144 will remain imposed in Lahore till October 8, while in Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha, it will remain imposed till October 6.
"Gatherings can be a soft target for the terrorists," the notification stated.