Islamabad tense as authorities ask opposition PTI rally to disperse, warn of ‘strict action’ 

The photo, taken on September 8, 2024, shows preparations for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf rally in Islamabad. (AN Photo)
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Updated 08 September 2024
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Islamabad tense as authorities ask opposition PTI rally to disperse, warn of ‘strict action’ 

  • Imran Khan’s PTI party was given permission to hold rally from 4pm till 7pm in Sangjani locality on capital outskirts 
  • Heavy security deployed in capital all day, many “sensitive” areas sealed with shipping containers, main roads closed

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad district administration on Sunday evening called on organizers of a rally by former prime minister Imran Khan’s party to disperse as the time limit allowed for the gathering had expired at 7pm.
Pakistan’s capital was tense throughout the day on Sunday with heavy police deployment and many roads and “sensitive” areas of the city and entry and exit points into it sealed off with shipping containers ahead of the planned rally by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to press for his release.
The district administration had allowed the PTI to hold the public gathering in the Sangjani locality on the outskirts of Islamabad between 4-7pm. The rally was previously planned for July and then August but was postponed both times after permission was revoked over what officials described as security threats and concerns about unrest.
At around 6pm on Sunday, the Islamabad administration said it had informed the rally’s organizers that the time limit for the gathering was approaching its end. 
Because of the road blocks, thousands of PTI supporters and leaders traveling to Islamabad complained they had been unable to reach on time. 




In this screengrab, taken from a video posted on social media platform X by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party worker Ahmad Hassan Bobak, party supporters leaving for Islamabad rally from Faisalabad on September 8, 2024, ahead of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party rally to press for his release. (Photo courtesy: Ahmed Bobak)


“You were intimated at several occasions that the jalsa [rally] is to close at 07:00 p.m. today but the same have not been adhered to,” the Islamabad district magistrate said in a notification to PTI Islamabad President Amir Masood Mughal. 
“The developing situation at the site of Jalsa has given rise to a serious law and order situation,” the letter added. “I hereby direct you and the management/administration of Jalsa at Sangjani, Islamabad to disperse immediately. The District Administration and ICT Police, Islamabad are hereby directed to proceed and take strict action against the violators and members of unlawful assembly in accordance with law.”
“ROAD BLOCKS“
Tanzeela Jahan Khan, a PTI supporter who had arrived with a caravan from Gujranwala city, said more people were trying to make their way to the capital but were facing difficulties due to read closures. 
“More of our people are coming, they are on their way, all roads are blocked,” she told Arab News at the venue of the rally. 

“They do not have any ways to come, they are stuck for the last 4 hours. All roads are blocked.”
The main aim of the rally — the PTI’s first within Islamabad’s jurisdiction since the Feb. 8 general election — is to mobilize supporters for the release of Khan, who has been in jail since August last year. He was convicted in four cases since he was first taken into custody, all of which have been either suspended or overturned by the courts. Khan remains in jail, however, on new charges brought by the national accountability watchdog regarding the illegal sale of gifts from a state repository while he was prime minister from 2018-22.
“The basic purpose of this rally is to secure the release of Imran Khan from jail, restore the rule of law and initiate a genuine democratic process in this country,” PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen told Arab News on Sunday morning.
“Islamabad’s district administration has closed all entry and exit routes to the federal capital to prevent our supporters from reaching the venue,” Shaheen said, adding that despite the hurdles, hundreds of PTI caravans were en route to the designated venue for the rally from across Pakistan.
All metro bus services were suspended for Sunday, while Islamabad Expressway was closed at Khanna Bridge on both sides to Lehtrar Road, and only one lane was open at Faizabad. The Bharakahu entry and exits were closed at Satra Meel point, while GT Road was closed for traffic on both sides at Sangjani. Rawat T Cross was also closed, according to Islamabad traffic police.
Only Margalla Road could be used to access the Red Zone, which houses sensitive government and diplomatic buildings, while Srinagar Highway was open for traffic on both sides and could be used to reach the Islamabad airport and the Rawalpindi railway station as well as the M1 and M2 motorways.




In this screengrab, taken from a video posted on social media platform X by Pakistani Journalist Abbas Shabbir, authorities block a key road in Islamabad on September 8, 2024, ahead of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakitan Tehreek-e-Insaf party rally to press for his release. (Photo courtesy: Abbas Shabbir)

The Islamabad police said the district administration had designated routes for the rally and prohibited travel to the venue through any other routes.
“Strict legal action will be taken over violation of the designated routes and the violators will be arrested immediately,” police said on X.
A police spokesman said authorities had recovered a “suspicious bag” from near the rally venue in Sangjani containing hand grenades, detonators, electric wires and other explosive material. A bomb disposal squad had “neutralized” the materials and an investigation was underway.
“Further search operations are being conducted in view of the threat of terrorism at the gathering,” the police spokesman said. “Checking has been increased at the entrances and exits of the city. Citizens are requested to cooperate with the police during checking.”
To bolster security, a heavy contingent of law-enforcement personnel, including police, Rangers, and other paramilitary forces, were stationed at the rally venue and across the capital.
“They [PTI] are holding a rally for what, Imran Khan’s release?” ruling party minister Azma Bukhari told reporters in Lahore. “Have you ever seen them talk about the problems of the common person?”

She added that the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had “no objections” to PTI holding the rally.
“We are not afraid of political rallies,” Bukhari said. “We are only concerned about their actions and background. They have been planted to create chaos in Pakistan … We will not allow them to create instability. No mischief, chaos or disorder will be permitted.”
“GRAND POWER SHOW”
Videos shared by the PTI on social media showed party caravans moving toward the federal capital while some supporters also posted images of cargo containers that had been used to seal off the city.
The Islamabad district administration said on Saturday the party had been given conditional permission for the rally, warning its supporters against raising anti-state slogans or violating any laws.
“If SOPs [standard operating procedures] are violated at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf rally, the law will take its course,” Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon was quoted as saying in local media reports.

The rally is being held days after a bill was passed by both houses of parliament to “regulate” public rallies in Islamabad, empowering the district magistrate to ban such gatherings if required.
But the PTI says it expects a “grand power show” despite the hurdles.
“This jalsa [public gathering] marks the beginning of our wider and coordinated campaign against this incompetent government,” PTI’s Shaheen said.
“Our workers have begun reaching the venue, and we will hold the rally no matter what,” he added, warning authorities to avoid disrupting the “peaceful” gathering, which he described as the party’s democratic and constitutional right.
The PTI says it has faced a months-long crackdown since protesters linked to the party attacked and damaged government and military installations on May 9, 2023, after Khan’s brief arrest that day in a land graft case. Hundreds of PTI followers and leaders were arrested following the riots and many remain behind bars as they await trial. The military has also initiated army court trials of at least 103 people accused of involvement in the violence.
The party says it was not allowed to campaign freely ahead of the Feb. 9 general election, a vote marred by a mobile Internet shutdown on election day and unusually delayed results, leading to accusations that it was rigged and drawing concern from rights groups and foreign governments.
The PTI says it won the most seats but its mandate was “stolen” by Sharif’s coalition government which formed the government with the backing of the all-powerful military. Both deny the claim.

 


Pakistan steps up security ahead of regional leaders’ meeting

Updated 14 October 2024
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Pakistan steps up security ahead of regional leaders’ meeting

  • Pakistan announces three-day holiday in Islamabad with schools, businesses shut 
  • Threat alert in country has been high especially after suicide attack targeting Chinese nationals 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital was under strict security lockdown starting Monday ahead of the arrival of Chinese Premier Li Qiang for a four-day bilateral visit and a heads-of-government gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) this week.

The government has announced a three-day public holiday in Islamabad, with schools and businesses shut, and large contingents of police and paramilitary forces deployed.

Pakistan army troops will be responsible for the security of the capital’s Red Zone, which will house most of the meetings and is also home to parliament and a diplomatic enclave, according to interior ministry.

The threat alert has been high in the South Asian nation ahead of the SCO summit meeting, especially after the killing of two Chinese engineers and shooting to death of 21 miners.

Tensions have mounted after jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan called for a protest on Oct. 15 to press for his release and agitate against the coalition government, following violent clashes between his party loyalists and security forces.

Islamabad has sought to curb all movement of Chinese nationals in the city, citing fears of violence from separatist militants.

The SCO’s 23rd meeting, which comprises nine full members including China, India, Iran and Russia, is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Islamabad.

Prime Minister Li is undertaking a bilateral visit to Pakistan from Monday to Thursday, accompanied by senior officials, Pakistan’s foreign office said.

Li and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead their respective delegations to discuss economic and trade ties and cooperation under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $65 billion investment in the South Asian country under Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Li is also likely to inaugurate the CPEC funded Gwadar International Airport in restive southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.

The SCO participants will be represented by the prime ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as the first vice president of Iran and external affairs minister of India, the foreign office said. 


First batch of 27 Palestinian medical students arrive in Pakistan to continue studies

Updated 46 min 19 sec ago
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First batch of 27 Palestinian medical students arrive in Pakistan to continue studies

  • Batch is part of 192 Palestinian students who will continue fully funded studies in Pakistani universities
  • Initiative is a collaborative effort by Al-Khidmat Foundation, Doctors of Rahman and Global Relief Trust

KARACHI: The first batch of 27 Palestinian medical students out of a total of 192 arrived in Lahore from Cairo on Monday to continue their studies in the country, a leading charitable organization involved in the initiative said. 

Pakistan’s foreign ministry announced in July that Islamabad will provide scholarships to over 100 Palestinian students enabling them to continue their medical studies in Pakistan, as Israel’s war wreaks havoc in the Middle East. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has killed over 42,000 people in Gaza through relentless bombardment despite ceasefire calls and angry protests in several countries. 

The Palestinian students will continue their medical and dental studies in Pakistani institutions through fully funded programs. The initiative is a collaborative effort by the Global Relief Trust, Doctors of Rahman, and leading Pakistani charity organization, the Al-Khidmat Foundation. 

“Twenty-seven more Palestinian students from Gaza arrived in Pakistan to continue their education,” Al-Khidmat Foundation said in a press release. Pictures showed Palestinian students poising with airport officials after their arrival. 

“Welcome Palestine students,” read a large banner carried by the airport officials. 

The first batch of 27 Palestinian medical students arrive at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Pakistan, on October 14, 2024. (Al-Khidmat Foundation)

Al-Khidmat Foundation representatives and the Pakistani embassy in Cairo facilitated the students’ departure from Cairo International Airport on Sunday, Al-Khidmat Foundation said. 

“During the first phase, a total of 192 Palestinian students will arrive in Pakistan through various flights and continue their medical and dental studies in Pakistan through the collaboration of Al-Khidmat Foundation, Doctors of Rahman and the Global Relief Trust,” the statement added.

Several international media outlets have reported significant destruction of hospitals and universities in Gaza since October last year. 

The World Health Organization and other sources have documented severe damage to the area’s health care facilities, including the largest hospital Al-Shifa, which has been rendered non-functional due to extensive damage in the ongoing conflict.

There have also been widespread reports of substantial damage to educational institutions along with reports of deliberate targeting of Palestinian academics.


Pakistan to re-use Multan pitch for second England Test

Updated 14 October 2024
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Pakistan to re-use Multan pitch for second England Test

  • England scored mammoth 823-7 in first Test on pitch severely criticized for batting-friendly nature
  • Pakistan skipper Shan Masood, Head Coach Jason Gillespie inspected pitch during practice on Sunday

MULTAN: Under-pressure Pakistan are set to re-use the controversial Multan pitch used for the first Test against England for the second match starting Tuesday, in a rare move as they seek to level the series.

England scored the fourth highest Test score of 823-7 to inflict an innings and 47-run defeat on the home side on a pitch severely criticized for its batting-friendly nature.

Pakistan scored 556 in their first innings.

Sources in the Pakistan camp confirmed the same first Test pitch will be used on Tuesday.

“We have decided to use the same pitch of the first Test and it is watered and being dried for the use,” said a source who did not wish to be named.

Industrial-sized fans were used at both ends to dry the pitch while both teams practiced at the ground on Sunday.

Pakistan skipper Shan Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie inspected the pitch and had a lengthy discussion, while England head coach Brendon McCullum also had a long look.

The ICC playing conditions allow re-use of a pitch for successive Tests, but it could result in getting a poor rating if the surface does not play well.

Pakistan has a history of flat pitches, with former Australian great Dennis Lillee denouncing a pitch as “bowlers’ graveyard” back in 1980.

Two years ago, the Rawalpindi stadium pitch was deemed “below average” by the International Cricket Council, after 1,187 runs were scored in a Pakistan-Australia Test for the loss of only 14 wickets.

But the ICC rescinded the one demerit point after the Pakistan Cricket Board appealed against the decision.


Pakistan police say 63 bandits killed, 45 injured in Rahim Yar Khan in ongoing operation

Updated 14 October 2024
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Pakistan police say 63 bandits killed, 45 injured in Rahim Yar Khan in ongoing operation

  • Riverine areas or “kacha” areas in Sindh and Punjab are notorious for bandits who reside there to evade police
  • Punjab Police say long-range weapons, bulletproof vehicles being used in operation against riverine dacoits

ISLAMABAD: Police in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province have said that around 63 bandits have been killed and 45 injured in an ongoing operation against criminals residing in the riverine areas of Rahim Yar Khan district, state-run media reported. 

The riverine areas or “kacha” areas as they are known in the local language, have been long associated with bandits. The hostile terrains in these areas, located in Sindh and Punjab, make it difficult for law enforcers to act against criminals who take shelter here. Some of the kacha areas notorious for crimes include Ghotki, Kashmore, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. 

Some areas in the two provinces are so dangerous that people avoid traveling after sunset to avoid getting robbed, though police say they have cleared most “no-go areas.” In August, 12 policemen were killed when bandits attacked them with guns and rocket-propelled grenades in Rahim Yar Khan district’s riverine areas.

“The Punjab police’s intelligence-based operations are ongoing in the Kacha area of Rahim Yar Khan in which 63 dangerous criminals were killed and 45 injured so for,” state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported on Sunday. 

The APP quoted a Punjab Police spokesperson saying that Rahim Yar Khan Police has established permanent posts in the district’s riverine area.

“The Punjab police are present in the region with full force and extensive resources,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by the APP. 

Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar said all necessary resources, including long-range weapons, vehicles and bulletproof vehicles were being utilized against criminal elements in the area. 

“The intelligence-based targeted operations will continue in Kacha till the complete elimination of criminal activities,” Dr. Anwar was quoted as saying by the APP. 

The state-run media said 531 citizens were prevented from being kidnapped in the kacha area so far through “vigilance at border checkpoints.” The state media said police teams will continue intelligence-based targeted operations to “completely eradicate” crimes.
 


India pin World Cup hopes on arch-rivals Pakistan beating Kiwis in Dubai today

Updated 14 October 2024
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India pin World Cup hopes on arch-rivals Pakistan beating Kiwis in Dubai today

  • If Pakistan beat New Zealand today, India can qualify for semifinal on net run rate basis 
  • Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali says her team hopes to qualify for semifinals by beating Kiwis today

ISLAMABAD: The Indian women’s cricket team are hoping Pakistan beat a strong New Zealand side today, Monday, in order for them to survive in the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup tournament. 

India, one of the strongest sides in the tournament, suffered another setback on Sunday after they lost to Australia by nine runs. The blue shirts, who have lost to New Zealand and Australia and secured wins only against Pakistan and Bangladesh, will want Fatima Sana’s side to beat New Zealand in Dubai on Monday so that the second semifinal spot is decided on the net run rate basis. 

Defending champions Australia have already qualified for the semifinal after winning four matches. 

“In ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan women will play against New Zealand women in Dubai, today,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said. 

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur admitted on Sunday that it was no longer in her side’s power to make it to the semifinal stages of the tournament. 

“If we get the opportunity to play another game, that will be great. But otherwise, whoever deserves to be there, that team will be there,” Kaur told reporters. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan stand-in skipper Muneeba Ali said her team has not given up hopes of qualifying for the semifinal. To do that, Pakistan will have to not only beat New Zealand but also significantly improve a run rate inferior to that of India and New Zealand.

“We know that the pool is still open. We have a chance to win tomorrow’s match and if we win by a good margin, we have a chance to qualify for the semifinals,” Ali told reporters on Sunday.

Pakistan will be boosted by the return of skipper Sana, who missed the green shirts’ match against Australia after briefly returning home following the death of her father. Pakistan lost to Australia by nine wickets in a one-sided contest. 

The Pakistan-New Zealand match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time.