In Islamabad, Shipping Containers on the Streets Signal a Protest Is Imminent
Authorities say the barriers are needed to keep protesters from sensitive government areas, while commuters face long detours and traffic delays.
- On Monday, authorities in Islamabad positioned shipping containers to block key routes ahead of an October 4 protest march by supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan demanding his release.
- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership delayed the march after authorities blocked key approaches including the Attock Bridge, where Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and supporters were expected to travel.
- Commuters face long detours as police allegedly seize private trucks for the barriers. "Fuel prices have almost doubled," said Abdul Hafeez, a government employee from Rawalpindi, citing economic hardship from roadblocks.
- Police sealed routes to the Red Zone, home to Parliament and government offices, mirroring measures used in November 2024. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned PTI supporters would not be allowed into the capital.
- Rescheduled from September 27, the march is now set for October 4. Khan, ousted in 2022, faces multiple prison sentences, though his party maintains the corruption cases are politically motivated, an allegation the government denies.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Pakistan's Capital Sealed: Shipping Containers Erected To Block Protests
Authorities deployed heavy shipping containers to seal off major thoroughfares, preemptively thwarting a planned protest march by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
A city of containers: How Islamabad prepares for another Imran Khan showdown
Shipping containers have been deployed in Islamabad to restrict protesters ahead of a march for Imran Khan's release. Supporters of Imran Khan are frustrated with the government for blocking access to the city. Authorities have taken measures to prevent protests due to concerns about possible disruptions and vandalism. Residents of Islamabad are facing increased travel difficulties and longer commutes because of these restrictions.
In Islamabad, shipping containers on the streets signal a protest is i
ISLAMABAD (AP) — It’s a familiar sight in Pakistan’s capital whenever a protest is expected: shipping containers lined up along streets or placed across key routes to restrict demonstrators’ movement and keep them from reaching sensitive areas.
The Toronto Star
In Islamabad, shipping containers on the streets signal a protest is imminent
ISLAMABAD (AP) — It's a familiar sight in Pakistan’s capital whenever a protest is expected: shipping containers lined up along streets or placed across key routes to restrict demonstrators’ movement
The Pakistani government blocked major access routes by installing over 1,500 containers across the capital, Islamabad, to prevent opposition protests demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This caused inconvenience to citizens and led to criticism that the country was becoming "Containerstan."
Pakistani authorities have barricaded Islamabad with more than 1,500 shipping containers to stop opposition protests, choking off access to the capital.
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