ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) convoy led by Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has reached D-Chowk despite the government’s efforts to restrain the protest.
PTI protestors after reaching the D-Chowk claimed at the top of the containers placed there to obstruct their way. In a video available with Daily Ausaf, Army personnel could be seen mingling with the party workers standing on top of a container.
The D-Chowk located in Islamabad’s high-security Red Zone area houses key government buildings including the Federal Secretariat, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, and Parliament House.
Bushra Bibi while addressing the protestors, urged the supporters to maintain peace, while stating that “We will reach D-Chowk and will not return till Imran Khan is released”.
Police and Rangers are continuously firing tear gas to disperse the protestors on Jinnah Avenue and Faisal Avenue, stopping the protestors from reaching the D-Chowk.
Earlier, the convoys reached zero point, Whereas, the other two convoys entered the federal capital with one convoy at F-10, the second near Centaurus Mall.
As the PTI workers entered the area of Zero Point, Islamabad police and Sindh police personnel deployed in the area took the path of peace, as soon as the clash with the protesters started, the police personnel came out with their equipment, Sindh police and Islamabad police personnel ran in vehicles, motorcycles and left the area.
‘They want to recreate May 9’
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar on Tuesday accused the PTI leadership of planning to incite bloodshed during ongoing protests, stating that they [PTI] wanted to achieve the objectives of the May 9 arson again.
Addressing the media, the Federal Minister said that the state was showing great restraint against the protesters from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
He criticized PTI for using vulnerable children and paid protesters in their rallies, claiming that many of the demonstrators are hired individuals, including Afghan nationals. “Mercenaries have been brought to the front and they want to use children of the poor people”.
Pakistan Army deployed
The Pakistan army has been deployed under Article 245 of the constitution in the federal capital to maintain law and order, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
The decision came after the last night incident in which at least four Rangers were killed when a vehicle ran over them on Srinagar Highway.
Three Rangers and two Punjab police personnel were martyred, while scores of others were injured in attacks by the violent PTI workers, the state-run Radio Pakistan reported. “The attacks also damaged twenty-two vehicles of the Punjab Police.”
“Under Article 245, the Pakistan Army has been called in, and orders have been issued to deal with the miscreants with an iron hand,” Radio Pakistan stated.
“Clear orders have also been issued to shoot miscreants and troublemakers on sight,” it added.
Citing security sources, the report said all necessary measures were being taken to “counter-terrorist activities by disruptive and extremist elements”.
Prime Minister denounces attack on Rangers
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly denounced the attack on Rangers and police personnel by protesters, adding that “under the guise of a so-called peaceful protest, are condemnable.”
In a statement, he directed to immediately identify those involved in the incident and ensure they are brought to justice. PM Shehbaz also instructed to provide the best possible medical facilities to the Rangers and police personnel injured in the attack.
Shehbaz Sharif said the anarchist group seeks bloodshed, emphasizing this is not a peaceful protest, but extremism.
The premier said Pakistan cannot afford any form of chaos or bloodshed. He said bloodshed for nefarious political agenda is unacceptable and highly condemnable.
In a statement issued by the Interior Ministry, Interior Mister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the alleged attack in the strongest terms, expressing his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased.
The interior minister paid “tribute to the four Rangers personnel who were martyred”.
وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کی سرینگر ہائی وے پر رینجرز اور پولیس کے جوانوں پر شرپسندوں کے حملے کی شدید الفاظ میں مذمت
وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کا شہید ہونے والے رینجرز کے 4 جوانوں کو خراج عقیدت
وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کا شہداء کے لواحقین سے دلی ہمدردی و اظہار تعزیت— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) November 26, 2024
Sindh govt condemns
As the protest turned violent leading to the death of several security officials, Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed condemned the violence in Islamabad.
Javed paid tribute to the security personnel martyred during the unrest and strongly denounced the attacks on security officials and media personnel, describing them as a blatant violation of democratic principles.
The spokesperson criticised “the misuse of provincial resources under the guise of protests, accusing certain elements of attempting to spread chaos and anarchy in the country.”
She stressed that true politicians respect differences, uphold the constitution, and abide by the rule of law, urging restraint and responsible behaviour in the current volatile situation.
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