HRCP condemns road blockades, student hostel evictions in Islamabad

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed deep concern over the government's decision to impose road blockades and forcibly evict students from their hostels in Islamabad to prevent PTI protest. 

“HRCP deplores the decision, allegedly taken by the Islamabad administration, to have student hostels in the city vacated at very short notice, including girls' hostels. This is akin to leaving young students shelterless through no fault of their own,” the statement read on X. 

“Moreover, blocking access to the capital, with motorway and highway closures across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has effectively penalized ordinary citizens, particularly daily-wage earners whose freedom of movement is tied to their right to livelihood,” it added. 

The federal government has taken stringent measures to block any rallies or caravans from entering the capital city. 

Reports circulating on social media allege that students and tourists have been forcibly evicted from hostels and guest houses as part of these efforts.

PTI decided to proceed with its call for a "do-or-die" march towards Islamabad on November 24, following the failure of negotiations and the government's refusal to release Imran Khan on Friday.

Imran Khan has outlined three primary demands, including the rollback of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the restoration of the Constitution to its original form, and the return of the party's “stolen mandate.”

He also demanded the release of all political prisoners held without trial.