Sun Nov 24 10:33:23 UTC 2024: ## Islamabad on Lockdown as Authorities Crack Down on Imran Khan Protest

**ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN** – Islamabad is under a heavy security lockdown as authorities attempt to prevent a large-scale protest march by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Authorities have suspended mobile and internet services in parts of the capital and blocked major highways leading into the city in anticipation of the “final call” protests organized by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

The protests aim to secure Khan’s release from prison and demand the resignation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The PTI alleges the recent election was rigged. Key roads have been barricaded with shipping containers, and large numbers of police and paramilitary forces are deployed in riot gear. Gatherings have been banned under legal provisions.

A key Khan aide, Ali Amin Gandapur, is leading a major convoy towards Islamabad, urging supporters to converge on D Chowk, located in the city’s red zone, which houses parliament, government buildings, and foreign embassies. Al Jazeera reports that the scale of highway and motorway closures is unprecedented. Reports suggest protesters are circumventing roadblocks using boats and dinghies.

While authorities claim internet and mobile services remain operational in most of the country, NetBlocks, a global internet watchdog, reports restrictions on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, including VPN services. This mirrors a similar shutdown last month to prevent a pro-Khan rally. The PTI relies heavily on social media for mobilization and communication.

Khan, removed from power in a no-confidence vote in 2022, faces multiple charges, including sedition and terrorism, which his party denies as politically motivated. His continued imprisonment fuels the ongoing protests and widespread popular unrest. Previous protests in May 2023 resulted in widespread violence and numerous arrests.

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