Pakistan seals off capital, blocks cellphones ahead of protest

4/10/2024 18:15

        Authorities in Pakistan sealed off the capital, Islamabad, and blocked cellphone services on Friday to prevent an anti-government rally by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
        
        It would be the latest in a series of protest rallies since last month to press for Khan's release and agitate against the ruling coalition government, which the party calls illegitimate, saying it was formed after a fraudulent election.
        
        The officials said, shipping containers have been placed to block Islamabad's entry and exit points, guarded by large numbers of police and paramilitary troops, while police banned any gathering in the capital.
        
        Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urged Khan's party to shift the rally to later dates, to avoid disrupting Islamabad's preparations to host a meeting of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) on Oct. 15 and Oct. 16.