The closure of all educational institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi was announced on Monday in view of the protest program of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The district administration said that this decision has been taken considering the ongoing situation. Pakistani media Geo News reported this news.
PTI has announced to organize a protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad. They have called for this program with several demands, including the release of jailed leaders including party founder Imran Khan. The program has been called at a time when the President of Belarus will visit Islamabad from November 25 to 27. The government's concern about the law and order situation surrounding this visit has increased.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed authorities not to allow any protests to be held in violation of the newly enacted Peaceful Assembly Act. Besides, entry and exit points of the capital have been sealed and Section 144 has been imposed.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that although the mobile service is operational, the internet has been shut down.
Internet connectivity is also disrupted in Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar and other cities.
Hundreds of police, Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel have been deployed as additional security measures. The Punjab government has also imposed Section 144 across the province and 10,700 policemen have been kept ready.
The Imran Khan-led party has marched towards Islamabad several times in the last few months. These processions have clashed with law and order forces.
According to the notification issued by the capital administration, all educational institutions in Islamabad will remain closed. This decision has been taken to avoid the ongoing unrest in the country and possible violence.