Islamabad, Pakistan — Web Desk: Pakistan’s Parliament House was placed under tight security on Friday as protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers triggered a lockdown in the federal capital’s high-security Red Zone, according to local media reports.
Police sealed the main gates of Parliament House and deployed a heavy contingent of security personnel to prevent lawmakers and civilians from entering or exiting the premises. Armoured vehicles were positioned outside the parliament gates, while major routes, including Shahrah-e-Dastoor, were blocked to control movement in the area.
Security forces also stopped several members of the National Assembly, including Iqbal Afridi and Umair Niazi, at Radio Pakistan Chowk, barring them from proceeding toward the parliament complex. PTI parliamentarians managed to reach the parliament gates but were unable to leave due to the closure of the main exits.
The protest was led by Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, with prominent opposition figures Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Barrister Gohar also participating. Opposition lawmakers moved from the central gate toward the Cabinet Gate and later staged a sit-in at the gate leading to the Presidency, chanting slogans against the government.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai held a meeting with Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry to convey concerns over restrictions on lawmakers’ movement. Barrister Gohar was also present during the meeting. The opposition expressed strong اعتراض over the security measures and called them unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Earlier, Achakzai told journalists that the protest would remain peaceful. He demanded that the imprisoned PTI founder be allowed meetings with his personal physician and family members, citing concerns over his health. He said Pakistan has qualified doctors and urged authorities to resolve the matter without unnecessary delays.
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan, with PTI and other opposition parties accusing the government of suppressing political dissent and restricting parliamentary activity.
