ISLAMABAD: Due to potential road closures across the federal capital, the private schools’ association has announced that schools will remain closed on Friday (today) as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans to hold a protest for the “independence of the judiciary” at D-Chowk.
“Children’s safety is our top priority […] Even today, students faced difficulties due to road blockades,” said Waheed Khan, General Secretary of the Private Schools’ Association, in a statement issued late Thursday.
This development follows the former ruling party — founded by Imran Khan — announcing its plans to hold a demonstration at D-Chowk for the “independence” of the judiciary and the release of the former prime minister from jail.
The Islamabad district administration has already enforced Section 144 and the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024,” regulating public assemblies in certain areas of the capital.
In efforts to prevent the potential protest, authorities have begun sealing parts of the federal capital by placing containers to block Murree Road, leading towards Faizabad Interchange and Islamabad Expressway.
In addition to strict security measures, road blockades have been set up at various points to prevent protesters from gathering in the capital. Meanwhile, the motorway police have also closed Motorway M-1 at Swabi Interchange.
In a separate statement, Islamabad police announced that all Khidmat Markaz Centres and driving license branches will also remain closed.
Meanwhile, Rawalpindi has been put on high alert, with at least 4,000 security personnel deployed across the city. Furthermore, the metro bus service from Saddar to IJP Road will remain suspended today (Friday).
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