Protest Standoff: Imran Khan's Supporters Clash with Authorities in Islamabad

Authorities in Islamabad sealed the capital to prevent a protest called by former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Tehreek-i-Insaf party. The protest aimed to show support for the judiciary and demand Khan's release from jail. Security measures included blocking roads and deploying police, leading to heightened tensions.

Islamabad faced significant disruption on Friday as authorities moved to block a planned protest by former Prime Minister Imran Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). The demonstration aimed to pressure the government to release Khan, who has been jailed for over a year.

The government imposed strict security measures, including the implementation of Section 144, prohibiting gatherings in the city. Major entry points were barricaded with shipping containers, and transport services between Islamabad and Rawalpindi halted. Similar actions were employed in Rawalpindi to prevent protestors from assembling.

The tensions were amplified with the presence of the Malaysian Prime Minister in the city and upcoming preparations for the SCO summit. Despite numerous arrests and warnings from Interior Minister Moshin Naqvi, the PTI, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, vowed to continue their protest efforts unabated.

(With inputs from agencies.)