Lockdown has been placed in the capital after the announcement of protest. Pakistani police also arrested thousands of Imran Khan supporters.

The Islamabad High Court had ruled the protest 'unlawful', directing the government to maintain law and order without disrupting public life, especially with the Belarusian president's scheduled visit over the weekend with a high-profile delegation.

Pakistan says it is suspending mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns” as supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan gear up for a protest in the capital.