Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Islamabad Updates – Massive Crackdown, Container Ablaze, Bushra Bibi & Gandapur Missing, PTI Cancels Protest

-


A significant crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters unfolded in Islamabad on Tuesday night, as law enforcement initiated a large-scale operation to clear key protest zones, including Kulsoom Plaza Chowk and the Blue Area. The operation, which involved Rangers, ATS commandos, and about 1,500 officers from Islamabad and Punjab police, has resulted in over 500 arrests of PTI workers.

Islamabad Updates - Massive Crackdown, Container Ablaze, Bushra Bibi & Gandapur Missing, PTI Cancels Protest

Bushra Bibi and Gandapur Seen Leaving Protest Areas
Reports indicated that the main protest convoy of PTI dispersed, with Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur seen leaving the Blue Area in the same vehicle earlier in the evening. This sparked speculation about their potential arrest, though sources have reported that they left the protest containers two hours before the operation began. Since then, PTI leadership has been unable to contact them, and rumors about their whereabouts are swirling.

Interior Minister’s Statement on Bushra Bibi and Gandapur’s WhereaboutsIslamabad no
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a 1:30 AM press briefing, confirmed that the two leaders were “on the run” but did not provide further details. Speculation suggests they may have fled to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa via Haripur.

Bushra Bibi, Gandapur Enter Khyber Pakhtunkhwa via Haripur. According to reports, Bushra Bibi’s vehicle has entered Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the Haripur route, though this has not been officially confirmed yet.Sources suggest that Bushra Bibi’s vehicle initially turned toward Pir Sohawa, with speculation that she might attempt to enter Haripur from there.

Police sources report that the vehicle of Ali Amin Gandapur’s security guards managed to evade police attempts to stop them.Earlier, Bushra Bibi’s vehicle was headed towards the KP House, with an Islamabad police squad in pursuit.

Container Set on Fire, Police Clash with Protesters
As the crackdown intensified, the key PTI protest container caught fire near Kulsoom Plaza Chowk. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the blaze.

Heavy Shellig and Gunfire. Meanwhile, witnesses reported heavy shelling and gunfire between Khyber Chowk and Kulsoom Plaza as police continued to push back demonstrators. Earlier in the day, PTI protesters faced tear gas and rubber bullets as they tried to reach D-Chowk, resulting in at least six injuries. The protesters had intended to stage a sit-in until their demands were met.

Major Operation Clears Key Protest Zones
By midnight, the authorities had cleared Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, and several other protest sites. The operation also extended to Srinagar Highway, where police arrested hundreds of PTI workers trying to retreat. PTI workers were seen heading back in their vehicles from Islamabad, and clashes at various locations continued.

Capital on High Alert, Public Services Disrupted
In the aftermath of the crackdown, the capital’s streets remain tense. Police forces have been deployed to secure key areas, and tear gas was intermittently fired to disperse any remaining protesters. The lights in the Blue Area and along Jinnah Avenue were turned off to assist the operation, and the metro bus service in Islamabad was suspended for the fourth day.

Schools, Offices Closed Due to Unrest
Educational institutions and offices across the twin cities remained closed, with low attendance and canceled exams due to the escalating unrest. Meanwhile, security forces remain on high alert as sporadic protests and skirmishes continue throughout the capital.

PTI Demands Answers, Situation Remains Fluid
As the situation remains fluid, PTI continues to demand answers regarding the fate of Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur, while the government braces for further developments.

Distrust Towards Gandapur Within PTI. Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, was prevented from leaving by PTI protesters, despite having urgent work. The protesters climbed onto his vehicle, and a bottle was thrown at him during the incident.

PTI Calls Off Islamabad Protest A PTI spokesperson stated at late night that protest has been cancelled and after a meeting with the founding chairman and a core committee discussion, the next steps will be announced.

The spokesperson condemned the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters, who were met with a barrage of gunfire on the streets of Islamabad, leaving hundreds of unarmed Pakistanis injured and soaked in blood.

The spokesperson also acknowledged and paid tribute to the workers and citizens who made it to D-Chowk.

The PTI spokesperson honored the workers and citizens who, despite crossing immense challenges, including fire and blood, peacefully made their way to D-Chowk from various parts of the country, particularly from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, and northern Punjab.

The spokesperson expressed heartfelt thanks to the people of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for hosting the caravans arriving from all over the country.

Additionally, the PTI central media department expressed gratitude to the overseas Pakistanis who participated in the historic protest called by the founding chairman, Imran Khan.

LATEST POSTS

Triple Pay Without Approval-NEPRA Officials Caught in Secret Salary Scandal

In a shocking move that has rattled political and regulatory circles, top officials at the National Electric Power Regulatory...

Pakistan Railways Unveils Karachi to Thar Desert Safari Train

A New Era of Adventure Tourism Begins!LAHORE: Pakistan Railways, in collaboration with the Sindh government, has launched the Karachi...

Modi Flies Over Pakistan Again—Still No ‘Hello’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again took the scenic route over Pakistan on his way to Paris—but without...

Most Popular