The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has initiated a sit-in at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur leading the main convoy from Peshawar. He stated that the protest would continue until further directives were given.
Reports indicate that the PTI convoy, led by Gandapur, reached China Chowk, where clashes broke out with security forces. Protesters removed barriers, and law enforcement responded with tear gas. In retaliation, demonstrators set trees along the green belt on fire.
Some of the protesters managed to reach D-Chowk but were pushed back by security personnel. Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi’s convoy is currently positioned between Kulsoom Plaza Chowk and China Chowk.
Sources reveal that security forces are preparing for an operation to clear D-Chowk and China Chowk of protesters. All markets and petrol stations in F6 and G6 near the Red Zone have been closed. Petrol stations around the Blue Area and Red Zone have been shut down, and lights in the region have been turned off.
A large contingent of law enforcement officers is stationed on Fazal Haq and Nazimuddin roads.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, appealed to party workers to remain peaceful and avoid any destructive actions. “Our founder led a peaceful political movement for 27 years. I urge all workers to stay calm and avoid sabotage,” Gohar stated.
He also called on the government to show restraint, urging authorities to refrain from using force against unarmed demonstrators. Gohar expressed hope for the prompt release of the party’s founder, Imran Khan.
Earlier, PTI’s protest convoy, led by Bushra Bibi, arrived at D-Chowk after facing significant resistance during their journey from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In response to escalating violence, the police have escalated their use of force, including heavy shelling and tear gas, while PTI workers retaliated by throwing stones at law enforcement officials. As tensions rise, the clashes intensify.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stressed that protecting the Red Zone, including D-Chowk, was the government’s priority. He confirmed that police were authorized to address the situation and prevent any fatalities despite the intense resistance from protesters.
Naqvi also mentioned that the protests were endangering the safety of high-profile foreign dignitaries, including the President of Belarus, who is currently in the capital for official meetings.
The Pakistan Army, which had already been deployed to protect key government buildings in the Red Zone under Article 245 of the Constitution, assumed full control of D-Chowk.
