Imposition of Section 144 in Punjab
In Pakistan’s Punjab region, the government has imposed Section 144 across the province. They have banned all public gatherings, protests, rallies, processions, and sittings for three days. This decision comes ahead of a protest rally planned by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in Islamabad today.
Ban on Public Gatherings
According to the notification, all public gatherings and sittings have been prohibited from November 23rd to November 25th. The government claimed that imposing Section 144 was done to ensure peace and protect lives and property.
Security Measures in Islamabad
Security has been stepped up in the capital city of Islamabad. Some 22,000 policemen and Rangers have been deployed to prevent PTI from conducting the protest march. Hundreds of containers have been placed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and roads leading to the twin cities have also been closed.
Closure of Roads and Public Transport
The National Highway and Motorway Police have announced the closure of major motorways, including those connecting Peshawar, Lahore, and Islamabad, starting Friday. They have cited maintenance as the reason. Lahore’s Ring Road will also remain closed over the weekend. The Metro bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been suspended indefinitely, and the Islamabad Transport Authority has ordered the closure of all bus terminals, citing potential tensions.
PTI’s Protest Demands
PTI called for the protest march on November 24th, demanding the release of Khan and other PTI prisoners, the return of the “stolen mandate” of PTI, and restoring the independence of the judiciary.
Crackdown on PTI Supporters
Khan has been in jail in multiple cases since August 2023. Police have already launched a crackdown on PTI supporters and arrested more than 350 in Lahore and elsewhere ahead of the protest march.
Anti-Terrorism Court Convictions
An Islamabad anti-terrorism court convicted 10 people on Friday over nationwide riots on May 9th last year, which caused major unrest across Pakistan. These riots erupted following the arrest of Imran Khan.
PTI’s Determination to Protest
Today is the day for PTI to hold its demonstration under the “Final Call” initiative, calling for the release of Imran Khan. Despite government outreach and standing court orders, PTI has refused to cancel or postpone its protest, asserting their right to demonstrate.
Government’s Position and Restrictions
The government stated that they have marching orders from the court. Additionally, an impending visit by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, commencing formally on November 25th, has been cited as another reason for preventing the protest.
Sealing of Islamabad
Islamabad has been sealed from 24 entry and exit points. Internet services have been disrupted, with mobile data shut down in major parts of the country.
Threat Alert and Internet Disruptions
The Ministry of Interior stated that internet shutdowns are only considered for areas under direct security threats. The National Counterterrorism Authority (NCTA) issued a threat alert for Islamabad, leading to restrictions on internet and VPN services.
Chinese Century Steel Group’s Concerns
In a major setback to foreign investment in Pakistan, Chinese giant Century Steel Group has warned it may pull out of the country due to multiple unresolved issues.
Challenges Faced by Century Steel Group
In a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the company’s CEO announced that Century Steel Group is considering dismantling its plant at the Rashakai Special Economic Zone in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The company had initially planned to invest $82 million in the first phase of the steel mill project, with a total project value exceeding $200 million.
Impact of Delays and Roadblocks
The project, expected to produce 1.5 million tons of steel annually, create thousands of jobs, and boost exports, has faced roadblocks for over five years. Challenges include high land prices, lack of power supply, weak special economic zone policies, tax burdens, and security issues.
Warning to the Government
The company reported losses of $7.5 million due to delays and criticized the government for failing to provide basic facilities and incentives to foreign investors.
Implications for Foreign Investment
This development raises serious questions about the future of foreign investment in Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) umbrella.
