Containing the march

Agencies Published August 13, 2014

Roads leading towards Islamabad being blocked with containers ahead of PTI’s 'Azadi march.' — Photo by INP

Pedestrians walk around a container in Islamabad August 12, 2014. — Photo by Reuters

Pakistani authorities place containers on the road leading to Parliament House to stop activists of PTI and PAT.— Photo by AP

A view of security arrangement taken by local administration for upcoming protest marches in Islamabad. — Photo by INP

Workers laying barbwires as the security beefed up in Islamabad. — Photo by INP

A labourer uses an excavator to fill sand into shipping containers placed by security forces as roadblocks in Islamabad on August 13, 2014, ahead of the country's Independence Day celebrations and protest marches by opposition parties against government.— Photo by AFP

People face hardships due to blocking of roads in the capital city. — Photo by Online

A woman walks on a major highway as containers, which are to be used to block roads during a planned protest march, are seen in the background, in Islamabad August 12, 2014. — Photo by Reuters

A view of security arrangements taken by local administration in Islamabad. — Photo by INP

The red zone and diplomatic enclave areas in Islamabad have been sealed off and mobile phone- internet service have also been suspended. — Photo by INP

Roads leading towards Islamabad being blocked with containers ahead of protests announced by the PTI and PAT for Aug 14. — Photo by INP

Ahead of planned massive anti-government protests, Pakistan police officers place barricades at an entrance to Islamabad, Pakistan Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014. — Photo by AP

Workers are busy digging in Islamabad to prepare security arrangement ahead of the opposition's march on Aug 14. — Photo by Online

Workers are busy digging as part of security arrangements in Islamabad ahead of the PTI and PAT protests. — Photo by Online

Empty containers to be used as roadblocks lie on the highway ahead of a march by the opposition, in Islamabad on August 12, 2014. — Photo by AFP

Rangers and police personnel stand guard in Islamabad. — Photo by AFP

Soldiers roll out barbed wire from a vehicle as they patrol in 'Red zone' area of Islamabad on August 13, 2014.— Photo by AFP

Soldiers ride in a vehicle as they patrol in a 'red zone' area of Islamabad on August 13, 2014, ahead of the country independence day and proposed protest marches by opposition parties against government. — Photo by AFP

Policemen stand next to their vehicles in Islamabad ahead of the protest marches announced by the PTI and PAT for Aug 14. — Photo by AFP

Ahead of planned massive anti-government protests, Pakistani police force deploy in Islamabad. — Photo by AP

Ahead of planned massive anti-government protests, Pakistani police force deploy at an entrance to Islamabad. — Photo by AP

FC soldiers arrived in the capital to perform duties during Aug 14.— Photo by Online

A paramilitary soldier stands guard inside a bunker as police officers check vehicles at a partially closed road in Islamabad. — Photo by AP

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chairman Tahirul Qadri vowed to hold protest rallies on 14th August in Islamabad, calling it the ‘Azadi March’ and ‘Inqilabi March’ respectively, following which the government blocked several roads including entry/ exit points in the capital city and parts of Punjab using shipping containers to avoid any untoward situation.

Both the PAT and PTI are protesting against the government over corruption charges and massive-rigging that allegedly took place during the general elections held in May 2013.

The government had sought the military’s assistance in assisting the civilian administration maintain law and order in the federal capital city for three months under Article 245 of the Constitution.

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Comments (5) Closed

Tariq, Lahore

Aug 13, 2014 11:35pm

Treating the public worse than animals - where on Earth does any 'democratic' leader treats it's subjects like this other than in our beloved Pakistan?

Recommend 0

Ameer Hamza Adhia

Aug 14, 2014 06:06am

I cannot believe government is so much afraid of Imran Khan marching through Islamabad. Just let him come. Why be afraid if you are a Democratic government. However, if you are guilty of rigging in elections, then you should be afraid.

Recommend 0

Maryam

Aug 14, 2014 07:10pm

Unbelievable ! Containers upon containers and then trenches and then filled with sand and mud! This is the level of fear Government is feeling. Guilty of rigging, Truth does have this scaring effect on the opponents , Oh my Gosh!

Recommend 0

Moods

Aug 14, 2014 08:10pm

Don't they watch Zombie movies? These 'roadblocks' are not going to stop the zombies, or protesters (whatever you might want to call them)

Recommend 0

One Who Cares

Aug 16, 2014 08:36pm

@Ameer Hamza Adhia When has the opposition in the history of Pakistan ever admitted that the elections, any elections (there not been many) have been fair? Never ! I really don't care who is leading the country. Just let them finish their term. Meanwhile the opposition should prove to the country they are ready to lead in the next elections. I can bet anyone. Next elections, if Imran wins, Nawaz will claim rigged elections. Let's get on with the business of the country, for God's sake !!!

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