Mobile internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi remained blocked, after the Ministry of Home Affairs notified the suspension of 3G and 4G services from midnight on October 9 to 10 pm, as Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) prepared for its anti-Israel rally on Friday.
Yesterday (Thursday), Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry, outside the US embassy, said that the TLP had not sought permission to hold its “Million Ya Aqsa March” in front of the US embassy in the federal capital.
The government always allows peaceful demonstrations and marches, he said, referring to the TLP leaders’ speeches as inflammatory and abusive in nature, during a press conference in Islamabad.
“The people of Palestine do not want slogans; they want peace. They want their homeland. These so-called protests and speeches are not necessary,” said the Minister of State.
Hamas and Israel signed a ceasefire agreement on Thursday in which Israeli captives will be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in the first phase, in line with US Donald Trump’s 20-point initiative to end the war in Gaza. Islamabad has touted Trump’s plan as a “historic opportunity” for lasting peace in the Middle East.
That same day, Jamaat-i-Islami held a student rally in solidarity with Palestine and the people of Gaza near the Faisal Mosque and was granted permission, Chaudhry said, addressing the press conference.
Section 144 imposed
Section 144 was imposed in Rawalpindi and Islamabad from October 8 to 11, effectively banning public demonstrations, processions, dharnas and assemblies. Additionally, the use of inflammatory passengers, speakers and public speeches is prohibited. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) enforced the ban on mobile data services in coordination with commissioners, district administration and police.
Read: Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi ahead of TLP rally
“Under no circumstances will anyone be allowed to take the law into their own hands or block roads. Any violent activity under the pretext of protest will be dealt with firmly,” said Central Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Khalid Hamdani.
Sealed Red Zone
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) sealed the city’s Red Zone ahead of the TLP rally, with over 70 containers deployed at key entry points of the federal capital, including Faizabad crossing.
Police personnel were ordered to seal both the Red Zone and the Extended Red Zone, while Metro Bus services were suspended till today (Friday).
Colleges in the twin cities remained closed citing law and order concerns, while the district administration directed public and private schools to declare a holiday.
Police repression
On Thursday, police arrested TLP chief Saad Rizvi and cracked down on the religious political party’s headquarters.
TLP supporters retaliated by attacking police with iron bars and stones, reportedly injuring at least three police officers. Police fired tear gas at party workers and supporters in response to the ensuing clash on Multan Road.
Gas masks, chemicals and other supplies were also confiscated from TLP workers, the Interior Minister said at a press conference later that day. The party intended to use them during the demonstration, Chaudhry added.
Earlier on Wednesday night, TLP issued a statement stating that several of its workers had been arrested in raids on their homes.
Police claimed that a large number of party supporters had reached Lahore and taken up positions in temporary shelters. According to the police, these elements launched attacks against police parties when they were on their way to assault the TLP headquarters.
