QUETTA: Authorities in Quetta have sealed all major roads with trucks and containers and suspended mobile internet services ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally at the city’s Hockey Ground on Friday.
The district administration said it denied permission for the rally, citing serious security concerns. PTI and Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aeen Pakistan, however, vowed to hold the gathering “at all costs.”
Officials said Section 144 had been imposed across the province for one month, banning all public gatherings. Heavy police contingents have been deployed across the city to prevent any untoward incident.
The road closures caused severe disruption for residents, especially students, who struggled to reach schools and colleges. Major intersections remained blocked, creating long traffic jams and leaving commuters stranded for hours.
Several students told local media they could not attend classes due to the lockdown.
The administration also confirmed that mobile internet services were suspended to maintain security, disrupting communications and daily activities.
PTI leaders condemned the restrictions, calling them an attempt to suppress democratic rights. Party spokespersons said the rally aimed to uphold the constitution and restore political freedoms, and would go ahead despite the government ban.
Security forces have been placed on high alert, and citizens have been advised to stay indoors unless necessary.
The measures have heightened political tensions in Balochistan’s capital, where PTI continues its nationwide protest campaign against the government.
Yesterday, former PTI Balochistan Additional General Secretary Alam Khan Kakar had said that the party has fulfilled all legal requirements, including securing formal approval from the Balochistan High Court after the district administration delayed issuing a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) and will hold the rally, what may come.
