PTI caravans head to Islamabad amid arrests and roadblocks

ISLAMABAD: Responding to a call by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) caravans are steadily making their way toward Islamabad, despite police shelling, arrests and roadblocks. 

A main caravan, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, has reached Swabi en route to the capital. Former First Lady Bushra Bibi joined the convoy, symbolizing the leadership’s determination. 

“If we expect workers and their families to join, then Khan’s family must lead by example. We will achieve the objectives set by Khan,” Bushra Bibi said. PTI leader Sheikh Waqas noted that her participation underscores solidarity with the party’s supporters. 

The caravan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa encountered significant obstacles, including containers blocking the Swabi Bridge. 

Police Crackdowns and Clashes 

As tensions escalated, police dispersed a small group of marchers near Faizabad Interchange using tear gas, prompting protesters to flee toward Sohan. PTI workers attempting to enter Islamabad engaged in stone-pelting, which was met with tear gas and shelling by law enforcement. 

At Chungi No. 26, police detained nine more individuals, bringing the total number of arrests to 20. Clashes also erupted in Dera Ismail Khan, where police shelled protesters near Isa Khel Interchange, prompting retaliation from PTI workers. 

Key Arrests 

In a notable development, PTI Chief Whip Aamir Dogar and senior leader Zain Qureshi were arrested by Punjab police near Qadirpur Toll Plaza in Multan. 

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PTI leaders have declared the protest a decisive moment and urged mass participation. “Whether it takes 12 hours or 100, we will reach D-Chowk. If roads are dug up or containers block our way, we’ll start sit-ins wherever needed,” said PTI leader Shandana Gulzar. 

Federal Government’s Preparations 

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the court order prohibiting protests in Islamabad. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a phone call with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, urging compliance with Islamabad High Court order. He also highlighted a high-profile visit by Belarus’s president and an 80-member delegation as a key consideration for maintaining order. 

Security Alerts 

The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued an alert about potential terrorist threats targeting the PTI protest.

According to the alert, terrorists linked to a splinter faction of the banned Pakistani Taliban have crossed the Pak-Afghan border. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department also flagged the possibility of a suicide attack. 

Capital on Lockdown 

Authorities have sealed major entry points into Islamabad, including highways and motorways, to block the PTI caravans. The metro bus service connecting the twin cities remains suspended, and police and Frontier Corps (FC) contingents from other provinces have been deployed in Islamabad, with a total of 30,000 security personnel on duty. 

The government has also decided to suspend mobile data and internet services in areas with heightened security risks. More than 300 PTI workers have reportedly been detained in Islamabad, with arrests and raids continuing in Rawalpindi and across Punjab. 

Mohsin Naqvi Warns Protesters of Arrests at D-Chowk

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that police were closely monitoring D-Chowk, warning that anyone attempting to gather there will be arrested.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Naqvi said that every effort was being made to minimise inconvenience to the residents of Islamabad. “We have ensured that road closures are not as extensive as in previous instances,” he said.

He said that Islamabad is hosting a foreign delegation, and protesters had initially gathered on their designated route. “The police have successfully cleared the route of protesters,” he added.

Naqvi noted that while mobile services remain operational, internet access has been suspended in some areas. “Protests and sit-ins damage the country. We will reveal later how much these disruptions have harmed the economy and businesses. Intimidation tactics won’t bring them even a fraction of the gains they seek,” he said.

Talking about the security situation in Kurram, Naqvi expressed regret that those leading protests were not attending the funerals of victims there. He also claimed that no public participation from Punjab was with the PTI with most protesters coming from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Naqvi said that the federal government was doing all it can to control the situation.

“According to the Islamabad High Court’s order, we haven’t received any response from Barrister Gohar Khan. While have we discussed the country’s situation with him, the question should be posed to those calling for protests during critical times,” he said.

He questioned the timing of the protest especially during a foreign delegation’s visit to Islamabad.

“Last night, we detained Afghan nationals. Are these protests led by our people or outsiders? The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has also been informed about the suicide threat alert,” Naqvi said.