Islamabad (TDI): The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) defied government restrictions on Sunday as it commenced its “final protest march” towards Islamabad, called by the party’s incarcerated founder, Imran Khan.
The march, aimed at pressing for his release and other demands, has brought the federal capital to a near standstill.
Heavy contingents of law enforcement personnel, backed by containers blocking key routes, were deployed across the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi to thwart the marchers’ advance.
Convoys led by PTI leaders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab progressed toward D-Chowk in Islamabad’s Red Zone.
Chief Minister of KP, Ali Amin Gandapur, accompanied by Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, addressed supporters at Ghazi Barotha, urging them to push forward.
“This is a battle for democracy, and we must not retreat,” Gandapur said.
The march saw clashes at several points, including Attock Bridge, where police resorted to tear gas shelling.
Also Read: PTI Protest: Mobile Blackout, Road Blockades, Tight Security
Protesters retaliated by setting fire to green belts and damaging public property.
A police official sustained injuries after being hit by a motorcycle during the skirmishes.
The PTI’s rally, originating from KP, consolidated its ranks by merging with processions from Hazara and other divisions of Punjab, including Taxila.
Despite the roadblocks and enforcement of Section 144 banning public gatherings, PTI marchers continued their push toward Islamabad.
Demands and Determination
The party’s demands, outlined earlier this month, include the release of all political prisoners, the reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the restoration of democracy, and the return of what they term the “stolen mandate.”
In a social media post, Imran Khan had called on supporters to march to Islamabad and not leave until these demands were met.
PTI leaders vowed to convert the rally into a sit-in if their objectives remained unmet.
Despite the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) directive against allowing the protest in the capital, PTI remained steadfast in its resolve.
The federal and Punjab governments reinforced restrictions, deploying police, Rangers, and paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) personnel to maintain order.
Also Read: PTI Protest: Mobile Blackout, Road Blockades, Tight Security
The government implemented internet blackouts in several regions, while blocking communication apps such as WhatsApp to preempt mobilization efforts.
The move drew criticism from digital rights activists and users alike.
Road repairs and construction work were abruptly initiated on major routes, further compounding traffic woes across Punjab and the twin cities.
Businesses and schools remained shuttered as the region braced for potential unrest.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, after inspecting the security arrangements from a helicopter, reassured citizens that the administration was fully prepared to handle the situation.
“No one will be allowed to disrupt peace and law and order,” Naqvi said, highlighting that measures were also in place for the visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Clashes and Arrests
Protesters faced resistance at various junctures, including tear gas shelling at the Attock Bridge and clashes in Rawalpindi.
Around 600 individuals were reportedly detained across Punjab for violating Section 144. Among those arrested were PTI leaders Amir Dogar and Zain Qureshi.
Despite these setbacks, the rally gained momentum, with marchers from Lahore, Gujranwala, and other cities joining the movement.
Addressing supporters in Swabi earlier, Gandapur called for perseverance.
“This is a fight for our leader and the future of this country. We must not give up,” he urged.
The situation remains fluid as PTI caravans edge closer to the capital. Both sides appear resolute, with the government prioritising public safety and the protesters determined to press forward.
The coming days will test the resilience of both the PTI leadership and the authorities as Islamabad braces for what could be a defining moment in the country’s political landscape.
