PTI Protest Ends Abruptly as Leaders Flee, Hundreds Arrested

Police launched a midnight operation

on Tuesday, dispersing protesters

with tear gas, gunfire, and mass arrests

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistani security forces pushed back thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters as they breached barriers to enter Islamabad, demanding the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Police launched a midnight operation on Tuesday, dispersing protesters with tear gas, gunfire, and mass arrests. The protest saw seven fatalities, including a police officer, and nearly 4,000 arrests. Authorities later reopened roads in Islamabad, ending a four-day lockdown.

Red Zone Secured, Protest Leadership Flees
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the clearing of Islamabad’s Red Zone, home to government buildings and embassies. Leaders of PTI, including Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur, fled the scene as the crackdown unfolded.

The government declared the protest a public safety threat, imposing a lockdown and deploying heavy security. Despite these measures, PTI supporters vowed to continue their fight, claiming Imran Khan is a political prisoner.

Protest Suspension Amid Claims of Brutality
The PTI temporarily suspended its protest, citing government “brutality” and “killings” of unarmed supporters. The party spokesperson claimed eight fatalities and appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan for legal action against top government officials. Supreme Court Constitutional Bench reject the plea of taking Suo-mot on Islamabad situation declaring this matter is not on their table.

Allegations and Promises
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur assured supporters that the sit-in was ongoing and pledged Rs10 million compensation for families of deceased workers. He alleged violence against peaceful protesters and accused the government of targeting PTI leaders.

Inspector General of Police Ali Nasir Rizvi revealed the seizure of weapons, arrests of foreign nationals, and strict measures to maintain order. He emphasized that no one would be allowed to undermine the state’s writ.

This protest marks a critical escalation in tensions between PTI supporters and the government, with the future of Pakistan’s political stability hanging in the balance.