ISLAMABAD: Rows of heavy shipping containers, not just barricades, are being put in place to tighten up security in the capital ahead of protests before two major political mobilizations scheduled for September 20 and 27.

The government has sealed or is ready to seal the main roads, entry points and sensitive areas of Islamabad as Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are expected to hold demonstrations. Containers have been put up by the authorities on important routes and the Red Zone, and police and other security agencies have increased their preparations.

JI has announced a march on September 20 over the petroleum levy, while PTI has called for a long march on September 27 demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan.

The transport sector also raised concerns about the measures. The All-Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association has complained that commercial vehicles and containers carrying freight are detained for use in road blockades. Representatives from the transport sector have warned that prolonged detention could disrupt trade and risk valuable goods being lost.

Rows of containers have also been seen lining roads in online reports, some apparently modified to make them difficult to move. Such details are best taken with a grain of salt when they come from social-media footage rather than independently verified official records.”

In a separate development, the Islamabad High Court has ruled that political parties and public office-holders cannot block roads in the capital, and has also issued instructions to the authorities on the use of government resources for the planned PTI protest.

With two protest dates on the horizon, Islamabad is now balancing delicate equations between security preparations, public movement and commercial interests of transporters, whose vehicles are being used in the city’s defensive road plan.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)