Private schools to 'remain closed' in Islamabad as PTI 'adamant' on holding protest at D-Chowk today

• Sources say Centre in contact with KP CM amid protest call.
• D-Chowk protest will be held at any cost, says Barrister Saif.
• No one will be allowed to launch onrush on Islamabad: Naqvi

ISLAMABAD: Citing possible road closure across the federal capital, the private schools' association has announced that the schools will remain closed on Friday (tomorrow) as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans to hold protest for "judiciary's independence" at D-Chowk.

“Children’s safety is our top priority […] Even today, the students suffered from road blockades,” Waheed Khan, general secretary of private schools’ association, said in a statement issued on late Thursday.

The development came after the former ruling party — founded by Imran Khan — announced its plan to hold a demonstration at D-Chowk for the “independence” of the judiciary and the release of the former prime minister from jail.

The Islamabad district administration has already enforced Section 144 and “the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024”, regulating holding of public assemblies, at certain places in the capital.

In efforts to thwart the potential protest, the authorities started sealing the federal capital by placing containers to block Murree Road leading towards Faizabad Interchange and Islamabad Expressway.

Besides strict security arrangements, blockades were put at various arteries to stop the protesters from gathering in the capital. Meanwhile, the motorway police have also blocked the Motorway M-1 at Swabi Interchange.

In a separate statement, Islamabad police said that all Khidmat Markaz Centres and driving licence branches will also remain closed.

Sources told Geo News that Rawalpindi was put on high alert while at least 4,000 security personnel have been deployed in the city. Furthermore, metro bus service from Saddar to IJP Road will remain shut today (Friday).

'Centre in contact with KP CM'

On the other hand, sources claimed the federal authorities were in contact with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who had announced to lead multiple convoys from Peshawar to attend the PTI’s planned protest at the D-Chowk.

The federal government’s representatives asked the provincial chief executive to postpone the protest as it will coincide with the final day of the Malaysian prime minister’s visit to Pakistan.

The claim was confirmed by provincial minister, Muhammad Zahir Shah, who said that Gandapur was adamant on holding the protest tomorrow.

“Gandapur told the authorities that protest will only be cancelled on Imran Khan’s call," he said while speaking to Geo News.

However, KP government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif denied any contact with the federal authorities. “No formal contact was made by any federal minister.”

“The decision to stage demonstration at D-Chowk remains intact […] The protest will be held at any cost,” Saif added.

Naqvi warns of ‘strict action’

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi — while addressing a presser —warned of a strict action against those who launch an "onslaught on Islamabad”, urging the Imran Khan-founded party to review its protest call.

“The PTI’s top leadership should review its protest call […] No one will be allowed for an onrush on Islamabad,” the security czar said.

The foreign delegations including from China and Saudi Arabia would be arriving in the federal capital, the minister said adding, that the upcoming SCO summit, scheduled for October 15 and 16 in Islamabad, is of utmost importance for the country.

“Paramilitary forces, army and Rangers have been called in. We have to ensure security in the [federal capital],” he added.

Naqvi said the country’s interest should be given priority over political goals, stating that any act that could tarnish the country’s image should be avoided.

“We hope that KP CM [Ali Amin Gandapur] will not resort to any move that could bring disrepute to the country.”

“The PTI is a party of Pakistan, not a foreign entity. When a head of state is present in Islamabad and you plan to onrush at that time, this is completely inappropriate,” Naqvi said.

He warned that the country would suffer forever if even a minor incident occurred during the Malaysian premier’s stay. “You have time till tomorrow […] Review your protest call as there is no permission at all to launch assault,” he added.

“If anyone does this tomorrow, they should not expect any leniency. This is a very thin line for us,” the minister said, adding that in such a case, no one should ask the administration to show leniency to whoever was caught.

He further said the police have completed its arrangement if anyone came to the capital, and no one should complain if they were dealt with in a certain manner.

Pakistan is all set to host SCO moot from October 15 with Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch saying there would be a ministerial meeting and multiple rounds of senior officials’ meetings to concentrate on fostering cooperation in finance, economics, socio-cultural affairs and humanitarian efforts among member states.