ISLAMABAD: Hundreds of teachers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) gathered outside former prime minister Imran Khan’s residence in Banigala after entering the capital despite strict surveillance at all exit and entry points.

The demonstration was organised by members of Young Teachers Association (KP) led by its president Attaur Rehman.

Police officers told Dawn that the teachers had gathered outside Mr Khan’s house to get their demands accepted. The teachers said that Contributory Provident Fund should be abolished and General Provident Fund and pension benefits should be restored. Besides, they also demanded reinstatement of their president, Attaur Rehman, and another office-bearer, the officers said.

Over 1,500 teachers reached the capital in the morning and moved towards Mr Khan’s house without any interference and interception.

Police were directed not to stop the teacher’s caravan anywhere, except the Red Zone. They staged a protest and sit-in in front of Aleema Khan’s house, who is Imran Khan’s sister. Later, they moved towards the PTI chairman’s house. A police contingent was deployed in front of his house.

PTI’s Ali Amin Gandapur appeared on the spot and assured the protesters that their demands would be fulfilled. Officials added that journalists were stopped from covering the demonstration.

The capital police put Islamabad under high alert after the PTI’s strong showing in the by-elections in Punjab. The high alert was put in place to restrict PTI leaders and activists to gather in the capital in response to recommendations of the police’s intelligence unit.

According to a press release issued by the police on Sunday, a high alert in the capital was put in place and checking at exit and entry points was increased. Security at important buildings, including government offices and installations, along with police stations was tightened, it added.

Additional police contingents were deployed at the Red Zone, the press release stated.

Inspector General of Police Dr Akbar Nasir Khan was not available for comment despite calls and messages on his personnel and official numbers.

A police spokesman was also contacted but he did not comment on the entry of teachers into the capital.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2022