PTI protest update: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) convoy, which left Peshawar for the protest in the federal capital, was led by Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi. The convoy has reached Dhok Ghar near Burhan and is advancing towards Islamabad.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has left the leadership of the main convoy along with a few workers.
CM Gandapur left for Hazara Motorway to clear the way after receiving a call from party leader Omar Ayub.
Meanwhile, the main convoy of PTI is heading towards Islamabad under the leadership of Bushra Bibi.
On the other hand, Punjab police officials collected a large stockpile of stones at 26 Chungi, while Rangers were on alert and a heavy police contingent was deployed there.
The convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur from Swabi is moving forward, but the convoy has not yet reached its destination. The convoy will likely enter Islamabad by noon today.
According to reports, the convoy crossed the Ghazi Barotha Bridge after several hours of resistance. Additionally, the protestors removed the containers near the Hazara Interchange.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Saif said “The convoy is advancing according to its plan, the government has hours but we have time. We are in no hurry.”
He added that “the government is thinking to end the protest without meeting its demands.”
The convoy left Peshawar yesterday and reached near Burhan. According to PTI leaders, Ali Amin is leading, but Bushra Bibi’s vehicle is behind him. The convoy reached the M-15 motorway at 8 am.
PTI District President Irfan Saleem told media sources that PTI workers are currently at the resting from where the convoy will leave for Islamabad after some time.
Irfan Saleem said that after leaving Peshawar, they faced many obstacles at the Ghazi Barotha bridge and a hill before the Hazara Expressway.
Expressing hope, Imran said if the convoy encounters no further hurdles at Burhan Interchange and Kati Pahari, they are expected to reach Islamabad by noon today.
When questioned about how many people joined the convoy, he claimed that 40,000 people were traveling with him.
In response to the protestors, the police and administration are completely prepared. Punjab Police personnel have collected a large stock of stones at the 26th Chungi Bridge.
Tear gas, rubber bullets, and anti-riot equipment were used, and police teams have been spotted packing stones into bags, apparently in preparation for potential clashes.
Meanwhile, a contingent of Punjab Police has arrived at 26th Chungi, accompanied by prisoner vans, indicating a heightened security presence in the area.
Pakistan Rangers were alerted at toll plaza number 26 in Islamabad, Rangers personnel reached flyover number 26.
Given the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest update, the government has closed roads to Islamabad and barricades have been erected on most of the roads leading to the capital.
Toll Plaza number 26 has been completely sealed with containers, while Srinagar Highway has also been closed at zero point.
A fire erupted in a container parked at Khanna Bridge, with the cause remaining unknown. Meanwhile, authorities have blocked the road to the airport with containers and also sealed off the route from Faizabad to Islamabad.
Rawalpindi police lathi-charged PTI workers on Faizabad IJP Road and arrested dozens of workers.
According to Punjab Police, 100 to 150 PTI workers were present on IJP Road and were dispersed.
PTI leaders claim that 490 workers and leaders have been arrested from different cities of Punjab so far, while 100 are missing.
