Overview
- The Islamabad High Court on Monday ruled that no party or public office-holder may block roads in Islamabad and directed that government vehicles, staff and machinery not be used to support political protests.
- Police and intelligence teams in Punjab and Rawalpindi carried out widespread raids and detentions this week, with reports citing about 106 detentions in Rawalpindi division and at least 54 arrests across south Punjab districts.
- An Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court on Monday ordered the passports of 24 PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, to be blocked while investigations continue.
- PTI leaders say the arrests are illegal, have pledged to challenge them in higher courts, and are pressing ahead with mobilisation plans for the September 27 march while provincial leaders have stepped up local organising.
- The combined court rulings, travel blocks and pre-emptive policing raise the risk of legal showdowns and local disruptions to travel and services, and observers should watch for higher-court appeals and how authorities enforce the IHC directions.