PTI convoys reach D-Chowk amid police shelling 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) caravan and convoys finally reached at D-Chowk in Islamabad after bracing hurdles and obstacles for almost three days.

After reaching D-Chowk, the party initially announced a sit-in until its demands were met. The protest convoys, led by PTI leaders and former first lady Bushra Bibi reached the capital’s Red Zone despite blockades and barricades at several places from Peshwar to Islamabad. 

As the PTI workers started trickling in Blue Area, police did not attempt to stop the marchers as they moved toward the highly sensitive security zone. 

The PTI protesters, however, faced heavy tear gas shelling from police and other law enforcers and PTI workers pelted stones.

Addressing the crowd at D-Chowk, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur declared that “We will not leave until we receive direct instructions from Imran Khan.” Gandapur accused the government of authoritarianism but vowed that PTI’s protest would remain peaceful. “This is our country, and we are here to liberate it. No one can impose their decisions on us,” he said energizing the crowd with slogans. 

The PTI has announced that they will not go back unless their leader and former prime minister Imran Khan is released from jail.

Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, traveling on a container, reached D-Chowk where slogan-chanting PTI workers received them. Viral videos on social media also showed PTI supporters dancing atop containers placed to block their access to D-Chowk. 

Earlier, clashes erupted in various parts of Islamabad, including G-9 and G-11 sectors, between PTI workers and law enforcement personnel.

The federal government called in the military under Article 245 of the Constitution to assist in maintaining order. The Interior Ministry’s notification also granted the army the powers to impose curfews and take strict measures against lawbreakers. Security forces have been deployed at key installations, including Parliament House. 

Also read: Mohsin Naqvi visits armed forces at D chowk amidst shelling by protestors

Earlier, the situation turned deadly when a vehicle allegedly driven by PTI protesters ran over paramilitary Rangers on Srinagar Highway, killing four personnel and injuring seven others, including two police officers. Security officials reported that a total of six law enforcement personnel have been killed and over 100 injured in the clashes. 

“A Hidden Hand”

During a visit to D-Chowk, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that an “unseen force” was fueling unrest. “The root cause of this chaos is a hidden hand,” Naqvi told reporters. “While PTI leadership wants negotiations, this force appears intent on derailing peace,” he said without elaborating.

Naqvi hinted at possible internal divisions within PTI, adding, “I warned yesterday that responding with bullets is easy, but it leads to more bloodshed. I have now left it to the police to handle this situation as they see fit. We will support our forces.” 

Bushra Bibi Defiant 

Sources said that despite earlier agreement between the PTI and the government for an alternate protest site, Bushra Bibi insisted on marching to D-Chowk, saying conspirators were trying to divert the movement. “Imran Khan has instructed me to ensure our presence at D-Chowk. Nothing less will satisfy our supporters,” she reportedly said. 

As tensions escalate, Islamabad remains under virtual lockdown, with security agencies on high alert to prevent further violence.

Meanwhile, several markets including Jinnah Super, Super, Aabpara Market, Melody Market and other markets were closed by the district administration and police, apparently denying food supply to PTI workers and supporters at D-Chowk.