The government reported that a policeman was killed by “miscreants” while on duty at the Hakla interchange on Monday, as a PTI convoy from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) entered Islamabad’s limits.
In a statement on X, the Punjab Police confirmed that Constable Muhammad Mubashir Bilal from Muzaffargarh succumbed to injuries inflicted by “miscreants” while performing his duties to maintain law and order at the Hakla interchange. Punjab police chief Dr. Usman Anwar paid tribute to Bilal and assured that his family would be taken care of. “The Punjab Police will ensure adherence to the country’s constitution and law at all costs,” Dr. Anwar stated.
The police also posted images of another injured constable from Sargodha, who was wounded in Attock due to “firing by miscreants.” He was transferred to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Hasan Abdal for treatment.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the killing and ordered authorities to identify and punish those responsible. He also directed that injured police personnel be given the best medical care, calling the attack on officers “condemnable” and accusing those behind the violence of disrupting peace and order.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed his condolences, calling Constable Mubashir a martyr and vowing to bring those responsible for the violence to justice.
In a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari confirmed that a policeman had been killed and several others critically injured in clashes between PTI workers and law enforcement earlier in the day. She said there were reports of shootings at police and Frontier Constabulary personnel in Attock, Sargodha, Kati Pahari, and Wah Cantt, with Constable Mubashir killed in clashes at Wah Cantt.
Bokhari also criticized the judiciary, urging courts not to grant bail to PTI supporters, whom she referred to as “terrorists.”
In response, PTI Central Information Secretary Waqas Akram dismissed the government’s claims, asserting that PTI protesters were marching peacefully and in a disciplined manner. He blamed the “mandate thieves” for any loss of life, emphasizing that the government’s crackdown on peaceful protests would be held responsible.
Meanwhile, PTI’s convoy from KP, led by Chief Minister Amin Ali Gandapur, entered Islamabad’s limits. PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai confirmed the convoy’s arrival at Islamabad from the Sangjani toll plaza and shared footage of the procession in the capital.
PTI leader Muhammad Basharat Raja also stated that multiple convoys were arriving in Islamabad, with Bushra Bibi calling on supporters to join the march. In a video message, she demanded the release of Imran Khan and vowed to continue the march until he was freed.
The PTI stated that its supporters were determined to reach Islamabad and expressed confidence that their efforts would not be thwarted. They warned that those who had tried to block the city for Pakistani citizens should take notice.
As the KP convoy made its way to Islamabad, PTI leaders like Sanam Javaid Khan updated on their journey, confirming that the convoy had reached Hassanabdal. Other party leaders, including Bushra Bibi, Gandapur, and Faisal Javed, were present in the convoy.
Speaking to Dawn.com, Yousafzai noted that the convoys were moving slowly due to their large size and roadblocks, but he claimed the police had retreated upon seeing the massive rally. He reiterated that the PTI intended to reach D-Chowk “peacefully, but at any cost,” emphasizing that the rally would only stop when “innocent political prisoners,” including Imran Khan, were freed.
PTI also accused the government of using force against their supporters, as police allegedly fired tear gas and detained activists. The procession, coming from various regions of KP and Balochistan, continued its march despite clashes with authorities.
In response, the Punjab government extended Section 144 across the province for three more days to maintain law and order in light of the escalating situation.
Authorities in Islamabad have sealed off the Red Zone and secured the Diplomatic Enclave ahead of the Belarusian president’s arrival, with Interior Minister Naqvi vowing to arrest any protesters trying to enter the capital. Naqvi stated that the government had made extensive security arrangements to protect the residents and their property from any disruption caused by PTI protests.
In a separate development, PTI supporters from KP were reported to have entered Punjab through various highways after circumventing roadblocks, including the Hazara Expressway and Hakla-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway. PTI leaders, including Bushra Bibi, were part of the convoys advancing towards Islamabad.
As the protest escalates, government officials continue to characterize the PTI’s actions as part of a “well-thought-out conspiracy” aimed at destabilizing the country, especially in the context of foreign dignitaries visiting the capital.
The protest is taking place amid heightened security measures, with roadblocks and internet restrictions reported in Islamabad and surrounding areas. The PTI maintains that their peaceful march is a legitimate call for justice, demanding the release of their leader Imran Khan and the protection of democratic rights.
