ISLAMABAD: Amid heavy teargas and police baton charges, thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters from across the country, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, made their way into the capital late Monday night.
Massive convoys, spanning over 15 kilometers, from across the country crossed Chungi No 26 and headed toward D-Chowk late Monday night. Thousands of PTI supporters participated in the rally, encountering clashes with police and paramilitary forces as they passed through Katti Pahari on the Motorway.
Eyewitnesses reported that police and paramilitary personnel retreated to nearby hills, allowing the marchers to advance toward Islamabad. Along the way, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi delivered passionate speeches to energize the crowd. Bushra Bibi reaffirmed the demand for Imran Khan’s release, declaring, “We will not end this protest until Khan Sb is freed. I’ll stay here until my last breath, even if everyone else leaves.”
In response, the district administration heightened security by deploying additional forces and reinforcing barriers, particularly around Chungi No 26, which was handed over to the Rangers to prevent PTI workers from entering Islamabad. The city police added more shipping containers and increased their presence along key routes, including Margalla Road, previously used by PTI during their October protest. Enhanced security measures were also implemented around the red zone and its access points.
For the past three days, roadblocks and security arrangements have significantly disrupted connectivity between the federal capital and Rawalpindi, as well as other cities. Major routes like the Express Highway, Shakarparian-I-8, Golra Mor, Main Airport Road, and Margalla Avenue have faced partial or complete closures. Limited alternative routes remain active, further complicating travel in and around Islamabad.
PTI leader Aamir Mughal led anti-government chants in Sector I-8, demanding the release of political leaders, including Imran Khan. The situation remains volatile as PTI continues its march toward the capital.
To counter teargas effects, the KP chief minister equipped a truck with a large fan to disperse the gas. Meanwhile, violent clashes resulted in severe injuries, with a Punjab Police constable reportedly killed and several other officers and protesters injured.
Earlier in the day, Barristers Gohar Khan and Saif met with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. Following the meeting, Barrister Gohar confirmed that Imran Khan’s protest call was firm and dismissed rumors of its cancellation. He emphasized that the movement would proceed as planned, with strategic discussions focusing on the political situation and the party’s next steps. Updates on ongoing negotiations surrounding the protest would be provided later, he added.
Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi attended the funeral of the deceased Punjab Police constable, vowing that those responsible for the violence would face justice.
