Pakistan: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party postpones rally at Tarnol Chowk, Islamabad, to Sept. 8 /update 1

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has postponed its rally in Islamabad to Sept. 8. The event - organized to mobilize support for imprisoned PTI leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan - was initially scheduled to occur at the Tarnal Chowk intersection along Peshawar Road from 16:00 Aug. 22. The plan was modified after authorities withdrew permission for the Aug. 22 rally and imposed roadblocks along access routes to Islamabad.

Heightened security will continue in and around Islamabad through Aug. 24 as a precaution. Officials are enforcing Section 144 orders across Punjab Province Aug. 22-24 that prohibit unauthorized public gatherings, in addition to the closure of schools and public bus services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi Aug. 22. Authorities also typically cordon off Islamabad's Red Zone, which houses key government buildings and diplomatic enclaves, during large protests. Tight security is also probable at popular alternative protest sites, including public squares like the Parade Ground, monuments, and parks such as the Fatima Jinnah/F-9 Park. Clashes between police and opposition activists are possible, mainly if activists attempt to gather, defying security restrictions. Associated local business disruptions are possible.