Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, led by Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, are pushing forward with a high-stakes march toward Islamabad despite heavy resistance from authorities. The protest is part of PTI’s demand for the release of party founder Imran Khan.
Convoy Faces Roadblocks and Setbacks
The PTI caravan, moving towards Islamabad, has encountered roadblocks on the Hazara Motorway. Despite this setback, PTI workers cleared obstacles earlier at Ghazi Barotha Bridge and pressed on toward the Burhan Interchange. In frustration, workers set fire to nearby hills, signaling their determination to continue the march.
Convoys from Southern KPK Halted at Fateh Jang
Convoys from southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been stopped at Fateh Jang Interchange. Hundreds of vehicles are expected to resume their journey at dawn, as the PTI protest grows in momentum.
Omar Ayub Khan Pledges Support for Protest
Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan has committed to leading the PTI convoy to Islamabad, despite ongoing resistance. His pledge further signals the escalating intensity of the party’s efforts.
Bushra Bibi Urges Supporters to Stay Focused
At Ghazi Bridge, Bushra Bibi expressed frustration with the delays and called for a swift and focused advance. “We are here to bring Khan back. Let’s move without delay,” she urged, rallying the crowd to stay committed to the cause.
PTI’s March Faces Tear Gas and Police Resistance
As the convoys entered Punjab, they were met with tear gas near the Attock Bridge and Chach Interchange. Despite the police resistance, Gandapur encouraged his supporters to press on, emphasizing that they would not turn back until Imran Khan is released.
You’ll not go anywhere – Gandapur Stopped by Workers
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was stopped by workers from getting out of his vehicle. The workers told him, “You will not go anywhere.” When the PTI convoy was halted at the Ghazi Barotha and Chach locations, the Chief Minister got out of the vehicle and attempted to leave. However, workers stopped him and said, “You are not going anywhere.” In response, the Chief Minister said, “I am not going anywhere, I am with you. We will pray in the rest area and then return.”
Government Prepares for a Clash with PTI Protesters
The government has fortified Islamabad, sealing roads and setting up barriers in anticipation of the protest. Key areas, including the Red Zone, have been secured with containers and barbed wire to prevent access to D-Chowk.
Intensified Security and Preemptive Arrests
Security forces have been deployed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with additional police, Rangers, and Frontier Corps personnel in place. Several PTI workers have been arrested in preemptive measures.
Hospitals on High Alert Amid Protests
Hospitals in Islamabad, including Polyclinic Hospital, are on high alert, with emergency services and ambulances on standby in case of unrest.
Terrorism Warning Heightens Security
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued a terrorism alert, tightening security further and conducting flag marches to prepare for potential disruptions.
Internet Services Disrupted in High-Risk Zones
Mobile data and internet services have been suspended in high-security areas to ensure smooth security operations during the protest.
PTI’s Supporter Urge Elon Musk to Bridge Internet Gaps
On X (formerly Twitter), PTI supporters launched a campaign on Saturday, urging Elon Musk, the owner of X and SpaceX, to make Starlink available in Pakistan. Starlink, a satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX, aims to provide affordable internet in remote areas.
PTI’s Commitment to the Cause
Despite roadblocks and government resistance, PTI leadership remains firm in their resolve to continue their march, pledging to stay at D-Chowk until their demands, including Imran Khan’s release, are met. Chief Minister Gandapur emphasized they will bring their own machinery to remove obstacles, showing their determination to push forward at all costs.