Islamabad, November 25, 2024- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues to push forward with its “final call” protest, aiming to secure the release of Imran Khan and emphasize broader demands for political reforms. With tensions escalating and both sides digging in, the protests mark a critical juncture in Pakistan’s political landscape.
On the second day of the protest which party calls as “Final Call”, Bushra Bibi, wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, made a passionate plea for her husband’s release as she addressed PTI supporters near the Hazara Interchange on Monday. She vowed to continue the party’s protest until their demands were met.
“My brothers, as long as Imran is not with us, we will not end this march,” she said, emphasizing the significance of the movement. “This is not just about my husband but about the future of this country.” Bushra Bibi joined the convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, which had been rallying from various regions of KP.
Convoy’s progress and police resistance
The PTI convoy, consisting of participants from Shangla, Hazara, Peshawar, Mardan, and Swabi, converged on Islamabad via the Peshawar-Islamabad motorway. The procession was led by CM Gandapur and other prominent PTI leaders, including Omar Ayub Khan and Speaker Babar Saleem Swati.
As the convoy entered Islamabad’s limits via the Sangjani toll plaza, the PTI shared footage showcasing their progress. Protesters faced tear gas shelling from police, especially near Burhan Interchange, but continued their advance towards the capital
Imran Khan briefed in jail
Barrister Gohar, accompanied by KP Information Advisor Barrister Saif and PTI leader Ali Mohammad Khan, met with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. The meeting aimed to update Khan on the ongoing protest and to seek his guidance on party strategy. Following the meeting, Barrister Gohar affirmed PTI’s commitment, stating, “This is Khan sahib’s final call, and we will not call it off.”
Government’s countermeasures
The Islamabad administration declared the Crime Intelligence Agency (CIA) building in Sector I-9 a sub-jail to detain protesters arrested during the demonstrations. A notification issued under the Prison Act 1894 outlined that this measure was in response to the ongoing PTI rallies
Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari accused PTI of orchestrating violent protests reminiscent of the May 9 unrest. Speaking in Lahore, she criticized the party for allegedly prioritizing its political goals over the safety of citizens, citing the death of a police officer during clashes. “This is May 9 Part II,” Bukhari said, denouncing the “attack on the capital” by PTI supporters
Road closures and public disruption
Security measures in Islamabad included the closure of key routes to the Red Zone, except for Margalla Road. These restrictions, along with ongoing skirmishes, caused significant disruptions for residents and commuters
