Islamabad: In light of Jamaat-e-Islami proposed sit-in, the Red Zone will be sealed, and Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad. This step has been taken as a pre-emptive measure to ensure public order and prevent any untoward incident during the protest.
Background of the Sit-In
Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman had announced a sit-in at D-Chowk in Islamabad against costly electricity agreements and overbilling. The announcement received significant attention, and people from across the country started arriving to participate in the protest.
Statements of Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman
The JI leader has said it is a peaceful sit-in within the capital city. He assured them they would not go back without getting relief from the government, adding this was their right. Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman requested authorities not to create blockades around D-Chowk, saying if things go bad, then the government would be held responsible. He said people are under financial burden and selling their household items to pay electricity bills, so what more do you want? We demand relief from Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Police Measures and Sealing of Red Zone
In addition to sealing the red zone, containers have been placed at Nadra Chowk, Serena Chowk, and Express Chowk to block entry points strategically by police expecting such a move. It has also been clarified that after section 144 pro is imposed, tests will not be allowed within capital city limits by police, which aims at preventing large gatherings that may cause trouble or clashes among different groups.
Raids & Arrests in Punjab
As part of preventive measures besides Islamabad, raids were conducted throughout various areas of Punjab, where many leaders, along with activists belonging to Jamaat-e-Islami, were taken into custody by law enforcement agencies on Tuesday morning.
Raid at Ameer-ul-Azeem’s Residence
There was a raid at the house of Jamaat-e-Islami’s central secretary-general Ameer-ul-Azeem. However, he remained safe and sound while his driver, Shaukat Mehmood, got arrested instead. The Raid conducted at the residence of the JI leader has widely been criticized by party workers and sympathizers.
Raids on Other Officials
To suppress sit-the-in more effectively, cops raided Ameer Lahore Zia-ud-Din Ansari’s house along with other key officials in different parts of the city. Actions have been seen as attempts to disrupt the organizational protest’s national structure and failed.
jamaat-e-Islami Condemns Raids
Expressing his views regarding raids on houses belonging to Jamaat-e-Islami officials during an interview with media persons here today, senior leader JI Ameer-ul-Azeem strongly condemned this act, terming the brutalities committed by police not only in Lahore but all over the province too, saying enough is enough now we will continue our struggle till last breath against such tyranny unleashed upon us time n again.
Public Response & Government Accountability
While some people support giving the government measures to maintain law and order others, see. It is a suppa recession right to proto est. The situation is still volatile. Which may lead to further deterioration if demands made by protesters are not met time in a ly manner. Therefore, it is vital that authorities handle matters peacefully and ensure grievances are expressed. By gene, the real masses reach ears the thosof e sitting powein r corridors.
The government’s enforcement of Section 144 and sealing off the Red Zone emphasize the seriousness of the situation. During the protest, attention will be paid to whether. It is possible for those in power to handle things peacefully without using too much force and whether or not. Those who are protesting will be able to stay true to their intentions for a peaceful, full demonstration.
