Citing potential road closures across Islamabad, the private schools’ association has announced that schools will remain closed on Friday (today) as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans to stage a protest at D-Chowk for “judiciary’s independence.”

“Our top priority is the safety of the children. Even on thursday, students faced disruptions due to road blockages,” said Waheed Khan, general secretary of the private schools’ association.

This decision follows PTI, the former ruling party founded by Imran Khan, announcing a demonstration at D-Chowk demanding “judicial independence” and the release of the former prime minister from prison.

Islamabad’s district administration has already imposed Section 144 along with the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024,” restricting public gatherings in certain areas of the capital.

To prevent the protest, authorities have begun sealing parts of the city by placing containers to block routes, including Murree Road leading to Faizabad Interchange and Islamabad Expressway.

In addition to heightened security measures, various roads were blocked to prevent protesters from entering the capital. The motorway police have also closed Motorway M-1 at the Swabi Interchange.

Meanwhile, in a separate announcement, Islamabad police said all Khidmat Markaz Centres and driving license branches will remain closed.