We’re Coming Back Only with Imran Khan Declares Bushra Bibi
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, led by prominent leaders Ali Amin Gandapur and Omar Ayub, faced a dramatic showdown with police as their convoys entered Punjab en route to Islamabad. The political procession, which began its journey from Swabi, encountered fierce resistance near key entry points, including the Attock Bridge, Chach Interchange, and Ghazi Barotha Canal. Security forces deployed heavy tear gas to disperse the advancing crowd.
Clashes at Entry Points: Tear Gas and Determination
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, addressing the crowd before their departure from Swabi, urged party members to persevere, emphasizing, “We must keep moving forward and won’t retreat until Imran Khan is free.” As the convoy reached Ghazi, he warned supporters of potential confrontations ahead, rallying them to remain steadfast.
Police forces responded with a heavy hand, using tear gas to block the group’s progress, but the PTI supporters, undeterred, vowed to press on.
Bushra Bibi’s Call for Action
Amid the delays, Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI’s founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, expressed impatience over the convoy’s slow pace. Addressing supporters from her vehicle, she urged them to remain in their cars and avoid unnecessary halts.
“We’re here to bring Imran Khan back. Let’s stay focused and keep moving forward without delay,” she said via microphone, her words fueling the determination of party loyalists.
The convoy temporarily paused at Ghazi Bridge to allow supporters to rest, but Bushra Bibi’s firm message prompted a renewed sense of urgency among participants.
Protests at D-Chowk Planned
PTI leadership has announced a major protest at Islamabad’s iconic D-Chowk, a traditional flashpoint for political demonstrations. The event is part of a broader movement against the government, with demands including the release of Imran Khan, reversal of the 26th constitutional amendment, and what they describe as the reclamation of a “stolen mandate.”
Imran Khan, addressing his followers earlier, called for unity, urging them to join the march as a step toward “freedom and justice.”
Escalating Tensions: Arrests and Security Clamps
As the protest looms, security measures across Punjab and Islamabad have been intensified. Police recently arrested key PTI figures, including Aamir Dogar and Zain Qureshi, in Multan. Law enforcement agencies have fortified sensitive zones, deploying containers to block major roads and setting up barriers to limit access to Islamabad.
Islamabad’s federal government declared a no-tolerance policy for unauthorized protests, citing court orders prohibiting public gatherings during high-profile international visits. Heavy contingents of police, Rangers, and Frontier Constabulary have been stationed to enforce these restrictions.
Virtual Lockdown in the Twin Cities
Key routes between Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore have been blocked, paralyzing public transit and restricting citizen movement. Strategic entry points, including the Srinagar Highway and GT Road, remain sealed with heavy containers. Public outcry has grown as residents struggle with traffic gridlocks and limited transportation options.
Hospitals and Internet Services on High Alert
In anticipation of potential unrest, hospitals across Islamabad have been placed on high alert. Emergency services at Polyclinic Hospital and other facilities are fully staffed and prepared for any emergencies. The Ministry of Interior also announced potential internet service disruptions in high-risk areas to ensure the smooth execution of security operations.
Terrorism Alert Heightens Security Concerns
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued a warning about possible terrorist threats targeting the PTI protest. This intelligence, citing militant infiltration from the Pak-Afghan border, has prompted even tighter security measures, including flag marches by Islamabad police to demonstrate readiness.
PTI Resolve Despite Challenges
Despite government efforts to block the march, PTI leaders remain steadfast. Chief Minister Gandapur has vowed to remove any obstacles in their path, stating, “We will bring our own equipment to clear the roads and reach Islamabad.”
The coming hours will test the resolve of PTI supporters and the government’s ability to maintain order, as the standoff intensifies in Pakistan’s political arena.
Stay tuned to E Haven for more updates on this unfolding story.
