Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif summoned All Parties Conference (APC) to discuss the political and economic sitaution of the country amid Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest call in Islamabad, the sources close to the development said on Friday.
The sources said that invitation was extended to all political parties.
“The All-Parties Conference is scheduled to be held on October 7 in Islamabad,” said the sources.
They said that the situation in the Middle East will also be discussed during the conference.
The decision to summon APC took place at the moment when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)–the main opposition party–has announced protest in Islamabad’s D-Chowk.
The situation in Islamabad is quite tense as clashes are underway between the PTI workers and the Islamabad police. Shelling have also been reported in different areas of the capital.
PTI’s 30 workers including two sisters of Imran Khan arrested from Islamabad’s D-Chowk
As many as 30 PTI wokers including Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan, the sisters of Imran Khan, have been arrested from Islamabad .
All major roads to Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been blocked. The similar situation is there inside the twin cities where many roads have been blocked with containers.
The ground access between the twin cities has also been cut off.
The double layers of containers have been placed at Faizabad, while a 20-foot high container wall has been erected at Zero Point.
Several points along Srinagar Highway have been sealed, and entry from Zero Point into the Red Zone has been made impossible. The Islamabad Expressway, from Khanna Pul to Faisal Mosque, has been closed at multiple points, while containers have also been placed at D-Chowk, Serena Chowk, and NADRA Chowk.
The capital city is experiencing a deserted atmosphere, with motorcyclists attempting to enter through unpaved routes. Around 50 motorcyclists near I-8 on Srinagar Highway managed to clear a path by pushing containers.
Schools closed in the twin cities
In light of PTI’s protest at D-Chowk, the private schools in the twin cities has been closed for today.
The Islamabad Private Schools Association, citing road closures, declared that schools would remain closed .
According to the General Secretary of the Private Schools Association, Waheed Khan, “The safety of children is our top priority. Yesterday, students faced difficulties due to containers.”
Metro Bus Service suspended
Meanwhile, the Metro Bus administration announced the suspension of the Metro Bus service in Rawalpindi for today.
Following the directives of the district administration, the Metro Bus service from Saddar to IJ Principal Road will remain suspended, while the service from IJ Principal Road to the Pakistan Secretariat will continue.
Motorways blocked
All roads connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi from across Punjab, including Lahore, have been blocked with obstacles. In Lahore, obstacles have been placed on the motorway, Ring Road, Babu Sabu Interchange, and the roads leading from Shahdara to Rawalpindi.
More than 12 containers have been placed at the Babu Sabu Interchange toll plaza in Lahore. Water cannons, water bowsers, prison vans, and police personnel have also been stationed for emergency situations. Civilian access to Rawalpindi and Islamabad has also been restricted.
Lahore police have warned that if protesters attempt to reach the area, they will be arrested, and any form of misbehavior will not be tolerated. “We are fully prepared,” said the police.
Section 144 imposed
Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed in four cities of Punjab, and the Rangers have been called in to manage the law and order situation.
Section 144 has been enforced in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Sargodha. The Punjab government has also deployed Rangers in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Attock. A ban has been placed on all political gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, protests, and similar activities.
For October 4 and 5, six companies of Rangers have been requested in Rawalpindi and Attock, while ten platoons of the Frontier Constabulary have been recommended for deployment in Attock. Additionally, three companies of Rangers have been requested for Lahore on October 5.
Convoys from KP all set to reach Islamabad’s D-Chowk
Meanwhile, the convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are all set to head to D-Chowk in Islamabad. The KP convoys will gather on the M-1 motorway and proceed towards Swabi, where the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister will lead them. The workers have been directed to be fully prepared for the journey to D-Chowk.
Party officials have stated that no matter how long it takes, the preparation is complete, and they will reach D-Chowk. Masks and other arrangements have been made to protect against tear gas, and a trained team of young volunteers will go ahead of the convoys to clear all obstacles using heavy machinery.
