Peshawar (Pakistan News Online) KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur led a convoy from Peshawar to Swabi, where other groups are expected to converge before heading to Islamabad. Reports suggest that Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, is also part of the protest caravan, though in a separate vehicle.
Bushra Bibi’s sister, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, remarked, “Bushra Bibi is determined to participate despite safety concerns raised by supporters. Those on the righteous path are undeterred by such fears.”
Heavy Deployment of Security Forces in Islamabad
In anticipation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest, Islamabad has been fortified with heavy deployments of police, Rangers, and Frontier Corps personnel. Major entry points from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have been sealed, while trenches have been dug to block exits in various cities.
Road Closures and Barricades Across Twin Cities
The federal government has blocked key routes leading to Islamabad by placing containers.
- Chungi No. 26 has been completely sealed with Rangers stationed at the site.
- Srinagar Highway is closed at Zero Point, while Expressway has been blocked at Khana Pul, where a container also caught fire.
- Access to Islamabad from Faizabad and Rawalpindi has been restricted with barriers and heavy security.
Protestors Dispersed, Arrests Made
Rawalpindi police baton-charged PTI workers on IJ Principal Road, arresting around 60 activists. Authorities stated that 100–150 PTI supporters were present at the site before being dispersed.
Adiala Jail and Key Routes Under Lockdown
All roads leading to Adiala Jail have been sealed, with police personnel and containers in place. Residents in the area face significant difficulties due to the blockade. Police officials stated that no protests will be allowed near the jail premises.
Monitoring and Communication Shutdowns
Authorities have deployed 6,000 personnel across major entry points into Islamabad and are monitoring 70 locations in the twin cities via CCTV cameras.
Additionally, Metro Bus services and Green Line operations in the twin cities have been suspended, and mobile phone and internet services disrupted in some areas due to security concerns.
Barriers at Punjab-KP Borders
The Punjab-KP border at Attock has been completely sealed, with security checkpoints established and personnel equipped with tear gas, batons, and safety gear. Key highways in Jhelum, Faisalabad, Lahore, and Peshawar have also been blocked, while trenches have been dug on access roads in Murree.
PTI’s Protest Strategy
PTI has finalized its protest strategy, with convoys instructed to arrive in Swabi by 3 PM. Leaders, MNAs, and MPAs will attempt to enter Islamabad separately. The party has emphasized that protests will only end with the release of PTI chairman Imran Khan.
Government’s Response
The federal government has also devised its counter-strategy to handle PTI’s protest.
- Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi contacted PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, urging him to halt the protest, warning that no lawbreaker would leave Islamabad unscathed.
- Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated, “If armed groups or militias arrive, the government will respond in kind. We won’t tolerate any attempt to create chaos.”
- Information Minister Atta Tarar added, “Anyone who comes to Islamabad to protest will be arrested.”
As tensions rise, the situation remains fluid, with both PTI and the government standing firm on their stances.