Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s media talk at Adiala Jail:
(November 21, 2024)
We will protest on Sunday, November 24th, under any circumstances.
Pakistan has been made into a banana republic. Democracy, the constitution, and the rule of law have all been annihilated from…
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 22, 2024
Authorities in Pakistan have locked down the capital city of Islamabad and partially suspended mobile phone and internet services as supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan prepare for a protest demanding his release. The government announced late on November 23 that internet and cellphone services would be temporarily unavailable “in areas with security concerns” while “continuing to operate as usual in the rest of the country.” The specific areas and the duration of the suspension were not disclosed. Highways leading into Islamabad, where protesters are expected to gather near the parliament building, have been blocked by the government.
🔴 LIVE | Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's Massive Protest | Imran Khan's Final Call | D-Chowk Islamabad https://t.co/CJlJgZ9b1N
— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 24, 2024
Most major roads in the city are also blocked with shipping containers, and large numbers of police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in riot gear. Islamabad police have banned all gatherings under legal provisions. Khan, who has been in prison since August 2023, faces over 150 criminal cases ranging from corruption to inciting violence.
He and his party, Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI), deny all charges, calling them politically motivated.
Carry signs and placards in English as well in order to amplify our message globally. Let our voices echo loud and clear as we stand united for justice, democracy, and a constitutional Pakistan!#FinalCall #HistoryInTheMaking pic.twitter.com/6z59raOdx7
— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 24, 2024
islamabad security measures for pti protest
Khan’s supporters rely heavily on social media to demand his release and use messaging platforms like WhatsApp to share information about protest rallies.
Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and a key Khan ally, called on protesters to gather near the entrance of Islamabad’s red zone, known as D Chowk, where important government offices and embassies are located. “Khan has called on us to remain there till all our demands are met,” Gandapur said in a video message on November 23. He is expected to lead the largest convoy into Islamabad.
Last month, a PTI protest in Islamabad turned violent, resulting in the death of one policeman, injuries to dozens of security personnel, and the arrest of protesters. Both protesters and authorities accused each other of instigating the clashes. The shutdown of internet and cellphone services during that protest disrupted communications and affected everyday services such as banking, ride-hailing, and food delivery.
