Another anti-government protest has transpired in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, which has faced significant unrest following a march by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Over a period of four days, the capital city of 2.4 million people transformed into a tense environment, described by locals as a “container city” due to authorities placing over 700 shipping containers to obstruct key routes in an effort to maintain order. During this time, schools were shut down, shops remained closed, internet access was disrupted, and numerous police officers were deployed to monitor the movement of citizens.
Saira Bano, a local schoolteacher, expressed her frustration with the situation: “This is not the Islamabad I grew up in. Everywhere I looked, there were barricades and containers. We feel isolated and anxious in our own city.” She reported having to cancel classes for three consecutive days due to the unrest.
The situation escalated on Tuesday, culminating in intense clashes between security forces and Khan’s supporters, leading to the retreat of key party leaders, including Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, who initially vowed to stay at the protest site. The police chief announced that 954 protesters were arrested for defying a public gathering ban imposed between Sunday and Tuesday.
Political tensions have been rising in Pakistan since Mr. Khan's detention, with his supporters insisting they will continue to demand his release, claiming the charges against him are unfounded. However, Islamabad residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the disruptions caused by near-monthly protests, describing it as an unwelcome new norm.
Shabbir Farooq, a clerk in the city government, remarked, “Islamabad was once one of the most peaceful cities in the country, but in recent years, it has become far more turbulent.” He further noted that residents often prepare for chaos by stockpiling supplies or leaving the city altogether whenever unrest is anticipated.
The impact on local businesses has been substantial. Naveed Ali, a shop owner near D-Chowk, stated, “Pakistan’s economy is already in a bad situation, and business is already slow. In this situation, we can’t afford business closures for days.”
Commuters have also been adversely affected, with travel between Islamabad and other cities rendered nearly impossible due to the barricades. Asghar Ali, who was trying to reach the airport, described a five-hour ordeal due to the restrictions.
Amid the protests, Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (P.T.I.), accused authorities of using excessive force, leading to injuries and fatalities among their supporters. However, the information minister denied any claims of officers shooting at protesters.
Amidst the unrest, political analysts and even those within Mr. Khan's party are beginning to question the efficacy of the protests. The ruling government appears steadfast in its position, and unrest has led to no significant changes, with many analysts noting that the cycle of protests only distracts from Pakistan's pressing economic and security challenges.
One supporter, Jibran Ahmed, noted the chaos during the protests, stating that while some protesters fought back against police with tear gas canisters, the overall sentiment among supporters is one of exhaustion and despair following failed attempts to incite change.
Despite the dispersal of protesters by Wednesday morning, tension persists in Islamabad, with fears of potential further unrest looming over daily life. “It feels like a never-ending cycle until Mr. Khan is released,” concluded Ms. Bano. “We just want to live our lives without this constant chaos.”