ISLAMABAD: The federal government has rejected reports that roads across Islamabad have been closed ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned October 4 long march, saying containers placed at various locations were part of precautionary security arrangements.
In a fact-check statement, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the containers had been positioned in Islamabad to safeguard public lives, infrastructure and sensitive installations.
The ministry said the preventive measures were being taken in compliance with directions from the Islamabad High Court and were intended to protect citizens, property and lawful movement.
Government denies road blockades
The Information Ministry rejected reports suggesting that roads in the capital had been blocked ahead of the PTI protest.
It also rejected a report claiming that between 1,500 and 2,000 shipping containers had been seized by the federal government to barricade roads in Islamabad.
According to the ministry, the roads remained open and the containers were being used as a precautionary security measure rather than as a complete blockade of the capital.
The government said the measures were linked to concerns about public safety, infrastructure and sensitive installations, particularly in view of what it described as violent incidents during previous protests.
PTI plans October 4 long march
The PTI had earlier postponed its planned long march towards Islamabad from September 27 to October 4.
The party has said the protest is aimed at demanding the release of its founding chairman Imran Khan and what it describes as the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
Despite talks between the government and opposition on Friday, PTI has maintained its intention to proceed with the planned march towards the federal capital.
Government cites security concerns
The Information Ministry said the security arrangements were based on the state’s responsibility to maintain public order and protect citizens and public property.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has previously said the government would adopt a permanent strategy for dealing with PTI protests and long marches.
He has also warned that Pakistan cannot remain shut down for extended periods because of demonstrations.
The government maintained that the security measures should not be interpreted as a complete closure of Islamabad’s roads.
Ministry rejects international media report
The government’s clarification came after Al Jazeera reported that 1,500 to 2,000 shipping containers had allegedly been seized to barricade roads in the capital.
The Information Ministry criticised what it described as selective reporting and said the report failed to reflect the government’s stated security and judicial context.
The ministry maintained that the preventive measures were intended to protect public order and sensitive locations while allowing lawful movement to continue.
The situation in Islamabad remains closely watched as the PTI prepares for its October 4 long march and the government continues to emphasise security and public order arrangements.
