Motorway Remains Closed Amid PTI Protest Preparations:

Is the Government Fueling the Protest’s Success?

In a surprising move that is causing inconvenience for millions, the government has announced the closure of several key sections of the Motorway for repair work starting tonight at 8 PM. The announcement comes just days before the anticipated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad on November 24, raising questions about the real motives behind such decisions.

Motorway Closures Disrupt Daily Lives

According to a notification issued by the authorities and reported by ARY News, the Motorway will remain closed from six crucial points, including:

Pindi Bhattian to Multan

Peshawar to Islamabad

Lahore to Islamabad

Motorway Police stated that the closures are for maintenance and repair, but the timing has sparked widespread speculation about the true intent behind this decision.

Section 144 Imposed Across Punjab

Adding to the restrictive measures, the Punjab government has enforced Section 144 across the province, banning public gatherings and rallies for three days (November 23-25). This aligns with PTI founder Imran Khan’s call for countrywide protests on November 24.

While authorities claim the measures are necessary to maintain law and order, the restrictions are perceived by many as a calculated move to hinder PTI’s protest momentum.

PTI’s Conditions and Protest Demands

The PTI leadership has presented conditions for withdrawing their November 24 protest call, including:

1. Immediate release of party founder Imran Khan.

2. Quashing of all cases against him.

3. Release of other PTI leaders.

4. Transfer of Imran Khan to Peshawar Jail if legal delays persist.

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, stated that negotiations will not proceed until these demands are met.

Impact on Citizens and Digital Communication

In addition to physical restrictions, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) plans to suspend mobile internet services in Punjab, Islamabad, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa starting November 22. Internet firewalls will slow down social media apps, affecting communication for taxpaying citizens who are uninvolved in political protests.

Halaat’s Perspective: Is the Government Afraid?

The measures taken by the government, including Motorway closures and internet disruptions, paint a troubling picture. Instead of defusing tensions, these actions seem to be amplifying the success of PTI’s protest call. By making life difficult for ordinary citizens—who have no direct involvement in PTI’s agenda—the government risks alienating the very people it claims to serve.

Halaat questions the strategy behind such restrictive moves. Why is the government afraid of PTI protests? Is this fear driving them to implement actions that disrupt daily life for millions, including those who simply want to go about their routine? These steps inadvertently legitimize PTI’s claims and garner sympathy for their cause.

The Bigger Picture

The inconvenience caused by Motorway closures and restricted digital access underscores a larger issue: the government’s inability to handle dissent constructively. These actions set a dangerous precedent of using state machinery to suppress opposition, further polarizing an already divided nation.

Conclusion

As the PTI protest draws closer, the government’s restrictive measures are raising more questions than answers. The Motorway closures, internet suspensions, and imposition of Section 144 seem less about maintaining law and order and more about curbing political opposition. In doing so, the government risks alienating the public and bolstering PTI’s narrative.