Islamabad sealed off as PTI advances with scheduled march

The federal government ordered a comprehensive lockdown of Islamabad on Monday, sealing off major thoroughfares and deploying police and paramilitary forces to enforce a curfew, Times of India reported. Checkpoints were set up at the city's entry points, and public transport was suspended, effectively halting normal movement for several hours.

Despite the restrictions, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced that its long‑planned march would go ahead as scheduled. Party leaders said thousands of supporters would gather at the Red Zone before proceeding toward the Parliament complex, aiming to press the administration on pending judicial cases against Imran Khan and to demand early elections.

Officials justified the lockdown on security grounds, warning that large crowds could spark clashes in a city already tense after weeks of political maneuvering. The interior ministry cited intelligence inputs indicating a risk of violence if the protest proceeded unchecked, and urged citizens to stay indoors until the situation stabilized.

The standoff reflects a broader power struggle that has intensified since Khan’s removal from office in early 2022. The former prime minister has faced multiple corruption investigations, while his party has mobilised mass rallies across the country to rally public support. Islamabad, the capital, has become a flashpoint for such confrontations, with previous protests in 2023 leading to brief shutdowns and occasional street confrontations.

The lockdown is expected to disrupt daily life for commuters, businesses, and schools, and may pressure the government to negotiate a compromise. Analysts note that any escalation could affect Pakistan’s already fragile economic outlook and its diplomatic relations, especially as the nation approaches the 2025 general elections. The outcome of this protest could shape the political calculus for both the ruling coalition and the opposition ahead of that vote.