Pakistan: Traffic curbs announced for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party rally near Sangjani Toll Plaza, Islamabad, 16:00 Sept. 8 /update 1

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has moved its planned rally to an open space near Sangjani Toll Plaza in Islamabad, 16:00 Sept. 8, due to official directives. The event - organized to mobilize support for imprisoned PTI leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan - was earlier rescheduled from Aug. 22. Further changes are possible. Thousands of participants will likely travel in convoys from various provinces to the rally site through Sept. 8.

Officials have announced traffic curbs for the gathering. Designated entry points for participants into Islamabad are via the AWT and Burhan interchanges along the M-1 highway, Chak Beli and Grand Trunk roads, Margalla Expressway, as well as sections of the M-2 motorway between Punjab Province and Islamabad. All other access points will be closed.

Heightened security will continue in and around Islamabad through Sept. 8 as a precaution. During the demonstration, the curtailment or cancellation of public transport services is possible in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. During large protests, authorities typically cordon off Islamabad's Red Zone, which houses key government buildings and diplomatic enclaves. Tight security is 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 localized business disruptions may occur.