INTERNET BLOCK, TRAINS AT HALT, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES CLOSED

ISLAMABAD: A large convoys of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and opposition leader Omar Ayub, encountered intense tear gas shelling from law enforcement as it entered into Punjab on its way towards Islamabad.

The convoys, departing from Swabi, moved steadily into Punjab territory but was met with police resistance near the Attock Bridge, Chach Interchange, and Ghazi Barotha Canal, where officers used heavy tear gas to disperse PTI supporters.

In a brief address to the crowd before departing Swabi, the Chief Minister urged party members to move forward, declaring, “We must advance and not turn back until Imran Khan is released.” Later, at a brief halt at Ghazi, he rallied supporters, telling them to “prepare, as we will need to confront further resistance ahead.”

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, voiced frustration with delays in the PTI convoy, calling on supporters to push forward. As the convoy led by the Chief Minister halted briefly at Ghazi Bridge near Attock, Bushra Bibi addressed supporters from her vehicle, urging them to avoid unnecessary pauses.

“Time is being wasted,” she said, using a microphone from her car. “Stay in your vehicles so we can reach there quickly.” The convoy, temporarily paused as Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur advised supporters to rest before anticipated confrontations, saw mixed reactions from members.

Bushra Bibi’s message was clear, however: “We are here to bring Khan back. Let’s move without delay,” she directed, encouraging supporters to remain focused on the objective of securing Imran Khan’s release.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to march towards Islamabad and hold a protest at D-Chowk today, following a call by party founder Imran Khan.

The party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has called on the public to join the march to “break the shackles of slavery.” Imran Khan, in a statement, urged the masses to unite for the protest, calling it a movement for freedom and justice. In related developments, PTI’s chief whip Aamir Dogar and party leader Zain Qureshi have been arrested by Punjab Police. Both leaders were detained at the Qadirpurra Toll Plaza in Multan.

The arrests come amid heightened security and political tensions as PTI proceeds with its protest plans. Meanwhile, the government has taken several steps to block the protest, including deploying heavy security forces, sealing key roads, and setting up barriers around the capital.

The Interior Ministry has emphasized that, in accordance with court orders, no protests or sit-ins will be allowed in Islamabad, and any attempts to disrupt public order will be met with legal action.

PTI leadership has announced plans to gather at specific locations before marching to Islamabad, where they intend to hold a sit-in at D-Chowk. Despite government efforts to block access to the city, the party has vowed to continue their protest and push for the release of Imran Khan and other demands.

Gandapur, in a statement, affirmed that PTI will remain at D-Chowk until their demands are met, regardless of roadblocks or containers obstructing their path. “We will bring our own private machinery to remove obstacles and reach Islamabad,” Gandapur declared.

In preparation for the protest, Islamabad’s federal government has fortified security measures, sealing off several key roads and blocking routes leading to the Red Zone, where critical government buildings are located.

Containers have been placed across the city, including along the Srinagar Highway, GT Road, and the Expressway, limiting access to strategic areas like D-Chowk, Islamabad Airport, and the A-11 point at New Margalla Road.

Rangers, along with police and Frontier Constabulary (FC), have been deployed to monitor the area. The federal government has also warned against any unlawful protests, stating that no one will be permitted to hold a demonstration in violation of judicial orders, with legal action promised against any violators.

Last-ditch effort fails to change PTI’s mind on march.

The latest clash between the PML-N-led government and PTI comes after the latter threw down the gauntlet, announcing plans for a rally that could escalate into a sit-in unless its demands are met, including the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, the reversal of the 26th constitutional amendment and the return “stolen mandate”.

Despite a telephonic contact between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan on Saturday morning in connection with permission for PTI’s protest, the IHC order and the arrival of the foreign delegation, both sides remained adamant on their stance and didn’t show any sign that they were ready to step back.

The interior minister noted that the government is bound by IHC guidelines, which restrict public gatherings that could pose risks during international visits. Naqvi provided Gohar with a detailed schedule of the Belarusian delegation’s visit and explained that, in light of the security measures, no rallies or gatherings would be authorised.

Gohar responded by saying he would consult with party leaders before finalising a response, which didn’t come till midnight.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 25 2024

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