PTI Protesters Reach D-Chowk Amid High Tensions in Islamabad

Bushra Bibi Leads the Convoy as Pakistan Army Enforces Security Measures.

The political climate in Islamabad has grown increasingly tense as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protestors, under the leadership of Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, advance toward Zero Point, a crucial area of the capital. The protestors have reached D-Chowk and are calling for the release of imprisoned political figures, including PTI’s leader, Imran Khan, as the situation continues to spiral into violence.
Earlier today, the Ministry of Interior invoked Article 245 of the Constitution, authorizing the deployment of the Pakistan Army to ensure law and order amid escalating security concerns. The move followed a series of violent clashes between PTI workers and security forces, further intensifying the unrest.

Tear gas and rubber bullets were used as protestors moved closer to the capital’s central areas, and the effect of the clashes reached Aabpara Chowk, where several businesses closed in response to the growing unrest. Authorities have called in additional police personnel, with more than 1,000 officers deployed from Rawalpindi to reinforce security measures.

Army’s Role in Controlling the Situation

The Pakistan Army has been tasked with maintaining control over the situation, as military personnel are now stationed at various key locations around the capital. Authorities have also implemented strict measures, allowing security forces to take “extreme actions” against agitators or rioters. In addition to crowd control, military forces have been given the authority to impose curfews in areas where lawlessness threatens public safety.

Deadly Clashes Result in Casualties

The protest has already claimed lives, as a tragic incident unfolded early this morning. A vehicle intentionally rammed into a group of Rangers personnel on the Srinagar Highway, resulting in the deaths of four Rangers officials and two police officers. This act of violence intensified an already tense and unstable situation. In Rawalpindi, armed groups engaged in further attacks, targeting security forces with stones and gunfire, injuring a Ranger who remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital.
Authorities have clarified that all necessary steps will be taken to counter terrorist activities and ensure public safety.

Interior Minister Warns of Extreme Measures

Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, has warned PTI leaders sternly, cautioning them against pushing forward with their march to D-Chowk. While inspecting the security arrangements at D-Chowk, Naqvi confirmed that PTI had been offered an alternative site for their sit-in at Sangjani, but the party rejected the offer. He stressed that the government would not tolerate any attempts to breach the Red Zone, the most sensitive area in Islamabad.
Naqvi warned that the government would take drastic actions if the protestors attempted to force their way into the area. He noted that the government had already exercised restraint, but harsher measures could be implemented if protestors continued to provoke the authorities, including invoking Article 245 and imposing curfews.

PTI Refuses to Back Down

Despite government threats, PTI remains steadfast in its call for nationwide protests. Party leaders have clarified that the protest will continue until their demands are met. The primary demands include:
The release of all political prisoners.
A reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
A restoration of democracy in the country.
Barrister Gohar Khan, a senior PTI figure, confirmed that Imran Khan’s call for the protest remains unchanged and the movement will proceed as planned. The party has also clarified that government actions will not deter them.

Government Implements Pre-Emptive Security Measures

The government has taken extensive steps to prevent any further escalation of violence. Key routes into Islamabad have been blocked with containers to prevent protestors from entering the city. Additionally, internet services have been suspended in areas at high risk for unrest. The government also imposed Section 144, a legal restriction on public gatherings, as they prepare for a potential confrontation between protestors and security forces.

Protestors March On Despite Government Barriers

Despite the government’s efforts to stop them, PTI protestors have continued to march toward Islamabad. The protesters have gathered in large numbers from across Pakistan, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan, led by Bushra Bibi and other PTI leaders. While the Punjab authorities attempted to halt the protest at several vital points, PTI leaders urged their supporters to push on, vowing not to return without Imran Khan’s release.
As the convoy moves closer to Islamabad, the protestors are determined to reach the capital and meet their demands. Bushra Bibi and other PTI leaders have called on supporters to continue the march, stressing that they will only stop once their goal is achieved.

Conclusion: The Protest Continues

With no sign of a resolution, the protest led by PTI continues to dominate the political landscape. The government and PTI are at an impasse, with both sides refusing to compromise. As the protestors approach Islamabad’s Red Zone, the situation remains highly volatile, and it remains to be seen whether the authorities will take further action or if the protestors will succeed in their demands.

Source: Express Tribune

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