In a tense standoff between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party’s main convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur entered Punjab in the wee hours of Monday en route to Islamabad.
The convoy aims to secure the release of former prime minister and party's founder Imran Khan and fulfil other demands. The situation has escalated as law enforcement intensifies measures to prevent PTI workers from reaching the federal capital.
Massive security arrangements and road closures
To counter the PTI’s planned protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, authorities have sealed all entry and exit routes to the capital. Containers block motorways, GT Road, and connecting highways.
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Additionally, barbed wire and trenches have been strategically placed on roads leading from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir, including Murree’s Ghora Gali.
Over 40,000 police, Rangers, and Frontier Corps personnel have been deployed across Islamabad. The Srinagar Highway at Zero Point and the Expressway at Khanna Pul remain closed, while the red zone and main routes to Adiala Jail are fortified with 1,200 containers.
Islamabad Inspector General Nasir Rizvi reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding Islamabad High Court orders, warning strict action against those violating the law.
Clashes and arrests
Protesters attempting to enter Islamabad faced resistance at Faizabad, where police used tear gas, lathi-charges, rubber bullets, and aerial firing to disperse crowds. Clashes erupted, with PTI workers pelting stones at police near Dhok Kala Khan Expressway and Faizabad, resulting in injuries to several officers.
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Dozens of PTI workers, including prominent leaders, have been arrested in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. PTI has alleged excessive use of force, claiming tear gas was deployed to break up peaceful gatherings.
Gandapur vows to reach D-Chowk at all costs
Gandapur, addressing workers in Swabi earlier, vowed to reach D-Chowk in Islamabad "under any circumstances" and declared his resolve to “chase away the thieves.”
The convoy later reached Attock's Chhachh Interchange, with PTI supporters rallying behind him. Barriers, trenches, and containers were seen obstructing key routes, yet PTI vowed to overcome all hurdles.
Bushra Bibi joins protest
PTI leader Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed that Bushra Bibi, the wife of the party's founding chairman, is travelling in a convoy from Peshawar. This follows earlier statements from her spokesperson Mashal Yousafzai, who cited health issues as a reason for her absence.
Bushra Bibi, who has been active in party preparations since November 1, is reportedly heading to Islamabad with supporters.
Schools closed in Islamabad and Murree
The district administrations of Islamabad and Murree have announced the closure of all educational institutions on Saturday due to the volatile situation. Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi confirmed that both government and private schools in the district will remain shut.
Economic impact of protests
Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the financial toll of the ongoing protests, estimating daily losses of Rs 190 billion.
The GDP reportedly suffers a Rs 144 billion daily hit, with an additional Rs 26 billion loss attributed to declining exports. The IT and telecom sectors have also faced significant disruptions due to the suspension of internet services.
Government's security efforts
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted an aerial survey of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock to assess the security arrangements. During his visit to D-Chowk, he lauded the morale of police, Rangers, and FC personnel tasked with maintaining law and order.
Naqvi emphasised that all actions are being taken in compliance with Islamabad High Court orders to ensure public safety.
