The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) launched a major protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, with demonstrators vowing to continue their sit-in until further directives.
The convoy, which began its journey from Peshawar, encountered heavy resistance upon reaching China Chowk. Protesters dismantled barricades and clashed with law enforcement, who responded with tear gas to disperse the advancing crowd. Some demonstrators retaliated by setting fire to trees along the roadside.
A few PTI supporters managed to push through to D-Chowk, but they were driven back by security personnel. Reports indicate that Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, key party leaders, were stationed near China Chowk in their vehicles as the situation escalated.
Addressing the media, PTI leader Barrister Gohar appealed for calm, urging workers to avoid any acts of vandalism. “Our movement is built on a peaceful struggle spanning nearly three decades. I request all supporters in Islamabad to demonstrate restraint and avoid causing damage,” he said, calling for the government to handle the situation without resorting to excessive force.
In the meantime, Bushra Bibi’s convoy successfully reached D-Chowk after navigating through intense police resistance.
However, the tension in the area continued to rise as protesters clashed with law enforcement. Police employed tear gas and other crowd-control measures, while demonstrators retaliated with stone-pelting, further aggravating the situation.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that securing the Red Zone, including D-Chowk, remains the top priority. He affirmed that law enforcement has been granted full authority to manage the unrest, with an emphasis on minimizing casualties.
Naqvi also expressed concern over the protests disrupting the visit of high-profile foreign officials, including the President of Belarus, who is in Islamabad for diplomatic engagements.
The Pakistan Army, deployed under Article 245 to safeguard critical government installations, has now taken control of the Red Zone, including D-Chowk, as tensions continue to rise.
