The third day of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests unfolded with continued chaos in Islamabad. Late on Tuesday night, security forces launched a significant operation to clear the Blue Area, evacuating key protest zones in the capital. Amid the operation, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, reportedly left the area in a car. At the same time, unidentified individuals set fire to the container that had been designated for the PTI leaders during the protest.
PTI quickly denied reports that either Gandapur or Bushra Bibi had been arrested. According to security sources, the Blue Area was cleared around midnight, with no further operations taking place in the area at that time. However, a search operation continued along Srinagar Highway, leading to the arrest of over 450 people. The crackdown mainly targeted protesters attempting to return to their home cities.
Reports revealed that PTI workers were pushed back from Kulsoom International Hospital, located about two kilometers from D-Chowk, around 9 a.m. Meanwhile, the container carrying the party’s leaders was stationed near PIMS Hospital, at the intersection of Jinnah and Faisal Avenues.
The government dismissed any possibility of talks with PTI, accusing the former ruling party of involving miscreants and terrorists in the protests. Footage from the scene showed police taking protesters into custody.
PTI Convoy Pushed Back, Clashes Erupt
The PTI’s central convoy, led by Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, reached D-Chowk on Tuesday afternoon. However, later that evening, Rangers forces pushed back the protesters and regained control of the area, leading to clashes between the demonstrators and security forces. PTI announced plans for a sit-in at D-Chowk until their demands were met.
As night fell, the lights at D-Chowk were turned off, and by 8:30 p.m., reports indicated that security forces had begun operations, including firing tear gas at the remaining protesters. There were also indications that a curfew might be imposed in the area.
Casualties and Escalating Tensions
The protests on Tuesday saw at least five people killed, including three Rangers personnel, during clashes with security forces. Six others were injured from gunfire at D-Chowk, where PTI activists were dispersed using tear gas and rubber bullets. The Red Zone saw heavy deployments of security forces, which pushed PTI supporters away from sensitive locations like Polyclinic and Kamal Ataturk avenues. Despite this, protesters attempted to advance toward D-Chowk but encountered severe resistance.
Authorities have not yet determined the origin of the gunfire, though it is confirmed that the victims were PTI participants. Police stated that the injured were transported to Polyclinic Hospital for medical treatment.
Protesters Continue to Face Heavy Resistance
Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, confirmed that security forces did not interfere with the protesters until they reached the site of the planned sit-in. PTI workers bypassed several security barriers to reach D-Chowk, where videos of protesters climbing atop containers went viral. Army officials were seen mingling with party supporters before retreating.
PTI’s Sit-in and Government Standoff
Before the operation began, PTI announced that Gohar Ali Khan, a senior party leader, would provide instructions on future actions after meeting Imran Khan at the Adiala Jail.
Thousands of PTI supporters had earlier breached roadblocks made with shipping containers, answering Khan’s call for a sit-in protest. The government attempted to ease the tensions by meeting with Khan’s aides, but the talks were unsuccessful, as confirmed by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
On Monday, a police officer was killed, and dozens were wounded in clashes as the protest moved closer to Islamabad.
Road Closures and Disruption in Islamabad
The protests have caused severe disruption in the capital. Road closures have created significant hardship, with citizens facing delays and fears of further violence. Educational institutions remain closed for a second day, with exams suspended, while the Metrobus service has been halted for the fourth consecutive day. Public transport systems, including the Green Line and Blue Line, have also been suspended, and office attendance is reported to be extremely low.
Late Tuesday night, PTI workers breached a major roadblock at 26 Number Chungi, resulting in limited clashes along Srinagar Highway. Miscreants rammed a vehicle into Rangers personnel, causing the deaths of four officials. In response, the army was deployed, but the PTI convoy continued to advance toward D-Chowk.
Bushra Bibi, addressing her supporters at G-11, urged peace, stating, “These are your brothers and sisters who are coming. The workers will reach D-Chowk.” Meanwhile, reports confirm that Ali Amin Gandapur is stationed at number 26, with Bushra Bibi leading the convoy.
