The convoys were subjected to severe tear gas shelling in the vicinity of the Ghazi Barotha Canal, Chach Interchange, and Attock Bridge.
As it traveled from Swabi to Islamabad via Punjab, a sizable convoy of supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by opposition leader Omar Ayub and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, ran into strong pushback from police officials.
As police tried to disperse the PTI supporters heading towards the capital, the convoys came under heavy tear gas firing near the Attock Bridge, Chach Interchange, and Ghazi Barotha Canal, according to The Express Tribune.
The PTI convoys entered Punjab territory from Swabi and at first encountered peaceful progress. However, in order to block their passage, authorities used a lot of tear gas close to important checkpoints. Law enforcement sought to stop the convoys at these locations, requiring the PTI supporters to encounter opposition before they could proceed.
Gandapur emphasized in his speech to the gathering that the march will continue till the release of PTI founder Imran Khan. His declaration, “We must advance and not turn back until Imran Khan is released,” inspired the fans to keep going in spite of the delays brought on by police action. Later, when he spoke to the group once again in Ghazi, he advised them to get ready for more opposition.
Gandapur reaffirmed the dedication to the cause by saying, “Be ready, as we will need to confront further resistance ahead.”
Party members had differing opinions about the convoy, which was momentarily stopped at Ghazi Bridge. Chief Minister Gandapur suggested that they take a break before engaging in any conflict. Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, was angry over the hold-ups and urged the caravan to continue without more delay. “Time is being wasted,” she said while speaking from her car, urging supporters to remain in their cars and move quickly.
“Remain in your cars so we can get there as soon as possible,” she said, emphasizing the need to go forward immediately. “Khan’s return is our goal. She emphasized the primary focus on winning her husband’s release by saying, “Let’s move without delay.”
Under Imran Khan’s leadership, the PTI has been planning the march towards Islamabad and intends to stage a demonstration at D-Chowk. According to The Express Tribune, the demonstration, which the PTI characterizes as a campaign for justice and freedom, has heightened political tensions as party members and supporters have become more outspoken over Imran Khan’s imprisonment.
Despite efforts by the government to stop the rally, PTI has called for people to assemble at D-Chowk. Citing court orders, the Interior Ministry has emphasized that protests will not be allowed in Islamabad and threatened to take legal action against any infraction.
In a related event, Punjab Police detained PTI leaders Zain Qureshi and Aamir Dogar at Multan’s Qadirpurra Toll Plaza. Tensions have only increased as a result of the arrests, as PTI continues to organize the demonstration. The PTI leadership has maintained its position in spite of the government’s initiatives, which include barricading Islamabad and blocking important highways. “We will bring our private machinery to remove obstacles and reach Islamabad,” Gandapur said, reaffirming that nothing would stop them from staging the demonstration at D-Chowk.
In order to prepare for the demonstration, the government erected barriers throughout the city, sealed off important arteries, and strongly fortified Islamabad. Rangers and Frontier Constabulary were among the security personnel stationed in critical regions, particularly the Red Zone.
Authorities have blocked access to key locations like D-Chowk and Islamabad Airport, and containers have been placed along the roads into the city. Since public transportation has been suspended and important routes have been blocked, the actions have caused significant disruption, making it impossible for locals to move freely throughout the area.
The prospect of extremists infiltrating the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has prompted terrorism alerts, and hospitals have been put on high alert in preparation of possible turmoil. Preemptive arrests have been made of PTI employees in advance of the protest.
According to The Express Tribune, several PTI members, including former MNA Nafisa Khattak, were taken into custody late Friday night, while others were arrested in Lahore and other Punjabi cities.
The Ministry of Interior has announced that internet and mobile data services may be suspended in high-risk areas to mitigate possible disruptions. This is to protect important locations and stop the dissemination of information that can incite unrest.
However, because of the extensive bottlenecks that have negatively affected everyday routines and transportation networks, the public has become extremely frustrated with the government’s security measures.
