ISLAMABAD – After hours of chaotic scenes at D-Chowk and China Chowk, Pakistani paramilitary, and Islamabad police regained control key areas of Islamabad after beginning arrests and pushing charged members of PTI.
PTI protesters started retreating from site earlier today as security forces intensified their actions, including heavy teargas shelling, to disperse the crowd. The demonstration, organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for the release of party founder Imran Khan and voiced other demands.
Reports from the scene suggest that the authorities’ aggressive use of tear gas was aimed at curbing the growing crowds. Despite this, PTI leaders vowed to continue their struggle for Khan’s release, indicating that protests would persist across various regions.
The retreat of the protesters marks a setback for PTI’s push for political change, but the party has hinted at further actions in the coming days. Meanwhile, the government has made no official comment regarding the escalation of force used to disperse the protesters
Key Takeaways amid Tensions
- Schools, Colleges closed on Wednesday
- Imran Khan reportedly agreed to relocate the protest venue.
- PTI claims negotiations depend on the release of prisoners.
- Govt condemns “attack by protesters” that killed Rangers personnel.
- PTI alleges Rangers fired live ammunition, killing two protesters and injuring four.
- Mobile data remains suspended for the fourth consecutive day.
- State media reports that the army has been deployed to handle “miscreants.”
- Belarusian president addresses the media with PM Shehbaz in Islamabad.
- The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) drops by 3,500 points due to political instability.
Police teams, equipped with tear gas, were positioned on nearby rooftops to maintain control, periodically dispersing the remaining protesters. Several arrests were made during the operation as authorities worked to restore order. In a move to further secure the area, Blue Area and along adjacent sections of Jinnah Avenue turned into darkness.
In a similar development, all media DSNGs were taken offline from D-Chowk, as authorities intensified their efforts to clear the area of protesters. The media personnel were instructed to vacate the operation zones, with local reports indicating a strict order for all news crews to leave the vicinity.
Meanwhile, Islamabad’s Inspector General (IG) issued a wireless command for elite commandos to be deployed on the front lines to support law enforcement in managing the situation.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) called for a sit-in at D-Chowk, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur leading a convoy from Peshawar. Gandapur had declared that the protest would continue until further instructions.
The convoy reached China Chowk, where protesters clashed with security personnel and removed barricades, prompting a round of tear gas shelling. In retaliation, protesters set trees along the green belt on fire.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as efforts to clear the area and prevent further unrest remain underway.
PTI Protest Latest Updates: Tensions escalate as govt rules out negotiations with Protesters
