Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is gearing up for a major rally in Islamabad on Sunday, despite a warning from the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) about possible terrorist attacks. PTI supporters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are making their way to the capital, where the protest, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is set to take place.
According to a NACTA alert, there is a credible threat of terrorism from the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during the PTI protest. The authority specifically mentioned the possibility of attacks from a group known as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and urged law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant.
Imran Khan has called on the public to join the march to “break the shackles of slavery,” but the government has responded by deploying heavy security forces around the capital. Key roads have been sealed, and barriers have been placed throughout the city in anticipation of the protest.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has declared the protest illegal, and the government has warned of strict actions against anyone participating. Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, emphasized that there had been no communication with PTI except to inform them of the court ruling. He confirmed that both Islamabad and Punjab police are under strict orders to prevent any illegal gatherings and to maintain order.
In preparation for the rally, Islamabad authorities have placed shipping containers at all major entry points to the city and heightened security measures, including random checks. A ban on public gatherings of more than five people has also been enforced, with additional measures to prevent any disruptions or damage to public property.
