ISLAMABAD: As the standoff between former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf (PTI) and the government shows no signs of resolution, a dramatic spectacle akin to a game of cat and mouse is poised to unfold in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on Sunday (Nov 24), with PTI protesters and security forces both unwavering in their intentions.
Amid critical moment, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued a warning, alerting that the terrorist group known as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” may seek to target the PTI protest rallies.
The counter-terrorism agency has issued a stark warning regarding the potential for TTP militants to launch attacks in major urban centres across the country. “We have received intelligence indicating that terrorists are crossing into Pakistan from Afghanistan,” stated NACTA, as the former ruling party gears up for protests in the federal capital.
In light of this security threat, NACTA has reached out to the chief commissioner and inspector generals in Islamabad, as well as alerting the chief commissioners of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
This advisory comes at a time when PTI remains resolute in its plans to demonstrate, despite directives from the Islamabad High Court prohibiting such gatherings in accordance with the newly enacted peaceful assembly law.
Currently imprisoned former Prime Minister has previously mobilized its supporters to the capital, resulting in confrontations with law enforcement.
The upcoming protest is particularly significant, coinciding with the scheduled visit of the Belarusian president and a 65-member delegation from November 25 to 27.
In response, the Shehbaz Sharif-led government is implementing stringent security measures to manage the situation, adhering to the IHC’s orders.
Reports suggest that mobile services may be suspended nationwide starting this evening, as part of the government’s precautionary steps.
Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad for a duration of two months, with the administration requesting an extra 8,000 police personnel, alongside the deployment of Rangers and Frontier Constabulary.
The Punjab government has also enacted Section 144 across the province for three days, from November 23 to November 25, placing over 10,700 police officers on standby to ensure order during this tense period.
Meanwhile, all sections of motorways and the GT Road at key points have been closed in Punjab, while all entry points to Islamabad have been blocked through heavy containers on roads and the red zone of Islamabad is completely sealed.
