BREAKING UPDATES AND ANALYSIS
[Islamabad was not just hosting the Malaysian Prime Minister, but the city was also preparing to welcome a high-profile Saudi delegation and Chinese Premier Li Qiang for major international engagements. With crucial conferences and summits lined up…..] By Syed Atiq ul Hassan
On October 4, 2024, Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, found itself at the center of political upheaval as the government, desperate to suppress a massive protest organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), sealed off key access points to the city. Shipping containers were deployed, and police presence surged, marking a critical moment in the nation’s escalating crisis. The protest, driven by PTI’s supporters in solidarity with their imprisoned leader, Imran Khan, unfolded amidst an international visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Hon Anwar Ibrahim, casting a shadow over Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
The timing of this protest could not have been more sensitive. Islamabad was not just hosting the Malaysian Prime Minister, but the city was also preparing to
welcome a high-profile Saudi delegation and Chinese Premier Li Qiang for major international engagements. With crucial conferences and summits lined up, Pakistan’s efforts to project stability and strengthen ties with these nations were thrown into disarray as thousands of protesters converged on the capital, demanding an end to what they see as an illegitimate government.
Despite Imran Khan’s incarceration since August 2023 on a slew of charges widely seen as politically motivated, his influence remains strong. The February 2024 general elections saw PTI-backed candidates win the most seats, showcasing the enduring popularity of Khan and his party. However, these elections were marred by allegations of rigging, with accusations levelled at the Election Commission, judiciary, and military establishment. The result, many claim, was the installation of a government lacking both legitimacy and public support.
In an attempt to thwart the growing unrest, the authorities responded by isolating the capital. Key roads leading to the Red Zone, where the country’s most important institutions—Parliament, Prime Minister’s House, President’s House, and the Supreme Court—are located, were blocked. With police and paramilitary forces patrolling the streets, Islamabad became a fortress, shut off from the rest of the country. Internet services were cut, mainstream media was barred from covering the protest, and public holidays were declared in educational institutions and government offices. These measures, far from quelling the unrest, only served to deepen public frustration.
What unfolded on October 4 was not just a protest—it was a manifestation of a deeply fractured nation. PTI supporters, many of whom travelled from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the
country, marched with resolve towards the capital, despite the barriers erected by the government. The protests were fuelled by a sense of injustice, not only over the alleged rigging of elections but also over the growing authoritarianism under the current regime. While the mainstream media remained silent, independent journalists and social media platforms—until the internet blackout—captured the sheer scale of public dissent.
The government’s heavy-handed tactics, including the imposition of a media blackout, represent a disturbing trend. Pakistan, a country that has struggled with its democratic institutions for decades, appears to be slipping further into authoritarianism. The blackout of both media and internet services during such a significant protest raises serious concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and freedom of expression. It also begs the question: why is the government so intent on hiding the voices of its people?
For Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was in Pakistan to strengthen bilateral ties, the situation was nothing short of humiliating for his hosts. Pakistan, already reeling from economic instability and grappling with its political challenges, was eager to present itself as a stable and reliable partner on the international stage. However, the images of a capital under siege, with police clashing with protesters and shipping containers blocking major roads, painted a different picture. The chaos in Islamabad not only undermined the government’s international standing but also cast doubt on its ability to maintain order domestically.
With Saudi and Chinese delegations scheduled to arrive in the following days, the stakes could not have been higher. Pakistan has been actively seeking foreign investment and strategic partnerships, particularly from China and Saudi Arabia, to shore up its faltering economy. Yet the protests, and the government’s inability to manage them without resorting to repressive measures, have thrown those efforts into jeopardy.
This protest is not an isolated event but part of a broader wave of discontent that has been building for months. Since Khan’s removal from office, his supporters have been unwavering in their demands for free and fair elections. As the largest political force in the country, PTI’s calls for accountability and transparency have resonated with millions of Pakistanis, particularly the youth. The younger generation, in particular, has grown weary of the entrenched political elite and sees Khan as a beacon of hope for genuine democratic reform.
However, the current government’s response has been anything but conciliatory. Instead of addressing the underlying grievances of the protesters, the government has doubled down on its efforts to suppress dissent. The sealing off of Islamabad, the silencing of the media, and the arrest of opposition leaders all point to a regime increasingly out of touch with its citizens. These actions have only served to galvanize PTI supporters further, making it clear that this is not a protest that will dissipate quietly.
As the dust settles over Islamabad, one thing is certain: Pakistan stands at a crossroads. The government’s attempt to stifle public dissent with brute force is not a long-term solution. The country’s political crisis has deepened, and its democracy is at risk of further erosion. The international community, too, will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds in the coming days.
The larger question that looms over Pakistan is whether the current government can continue to govern in the face of such widespread opposition. With Imran Khan still commanding a loyal and passionate following despite his imprisonment, and protests continuing to grow in size and intensity, the government’s ability to maintain its grip on power is far from assured.
For the people of Pakistan, the protest in Islamabad is not just about a single leader or party—it is about the future of their democracy. The battle between the state and its citizens, played out on the streets of the capital, is a reflection of the larger struggle for Pakistan’s soul. Whether the government will choose to engage with the people and heed their calls for reform, or continue down the path of repression, remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the voices of the people will not be silenced so easily.
(Syed Atiq ul Hassan, the writer is a Sydney-based journalist, a media analyst and editor-in-chief, Tribune International, Australia. His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com).
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