Islamabad, November 27, 2024-The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced to call off its protest in Islamabad after security forces successfully cleared the Blue Area and nearby roads late Tuesday night.
According to a PTI spokesperson, the next course of action will be decided after consultations with the party’s founding chairman and the core committee. The spokesperson accused the authorities of using excessive force against peaceful protestors, alleging that hundreds of unarmed individuals were injured by a barrage of bullets on Islamabad’s streets, with 8 to 10 protestors reportedly killed by live fire.
The party acknowledged the efforts of workers and citizens who reached D-Chowk despite significant obstacles. The spokesperson also expressed appreciation for participants who travelled peacefully from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, and northern Punjab, as well as for the residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad who hosted incoming caravans. Additionally, the PTI thanked overseas Pakistanis for staging protests worldwide in response to Imran Khan’s call.
Operation Against Protesters: Key Leaders Escape
On Tuesday night, Punjab police, Rangers, and ATS commandos launched a major operation to disperse PTI protesters in Islamabad’s Blue Area. More than 1,500 security personnel participated, using tear gas to clear the area. During the operation, 450 PTI workers were arrested, while prominent party figures, including Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur, reportedly escaped, leaving demonstrators behind.
The operation led to the reinstallation of containers that had been removed by protesters from Khyber Chowk and Kalsoom Chowk. The central container, used by PTI leaders, caught fire during the crackdown. Security sources confirmed that the Blue Area was vacated, and a search was launched for Bushra Bibi and Gandapur.
Earlier in the day, PTI activists led by Bushra Bibi reached D-Chowk after removing obstacles along their route. Addressing the gathering, Bushra Bibi vowed to lead the movement for Imran Khan’s release and declared she would be the last to leave the venue. Ali Amin Gandapur also urged supporters to remain steadfast in their objectives.
Government Claims Protest Cleared Without Bloodshed
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced late Tuesday that security forces had successfully completed the operation at D-Chowk, clearing the area of protesters without any casualties.
Speaking at a press conference at D-Chowk, Naqvi urged PTI supporters to end their agitation. He emphasized the involvement of Islamabad police, Punjab police, and Rangers in the operation and reiterated the government’s priority to restore normalcy.
Naqvi assured that mobile phone services would resume by morning, educational institutions would reopen on Thursday, and the Metro Bus Service in the twin cities would soon be restored. He also confirmed that Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur fled during the operation. According to Naqvi, PTI workers had initially agreed to relocate their protest to Sangjani, but Bushra Bibi resisted the move.
