ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest convoy, led by Bushra Bibi, on Tuesday reached near D-Chowk in Islamabad amid escalating tensions.
The PTI convoy faced huge resistance during its journey from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The security forces have resorted to heavy shelling and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, who responded by pelting stones at police. Despite attempts to control the crowd, the clashes have intensified, further complicating the situation.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media, stressing that safeguarding the Red Zone, including D-Chowk, remains the government’s top priority. He confirmed that law enforcement agencies have been given full authority to manage the unrest while avoiding casualties.
Naqvi also raised concerns about the potential risks to foreign dignitaries, including the President of Belarus, who is in Islamabad for official meetings.
The Pakistan Army, deployed under Article 245 of the Constitution to secure critical government buildings, has taken charge of D-Chowk. Soldiers have stationed themselves atop containers to monitor the situation closely. Media personnel and equipment have been evacuated from the area for safety reasons, while additional security forces from Rawalpindi, including Rangers and police, have been called in to support the operation.
Key routes leading to the Red Zone have been sealed, and businesses in nearby markets including Aabpara and the Blue Area have been closed as a precautionary measure.
The district administration has taken further steps by sealing major commercial areas and removing vehicles to prevent congestion.
Throughout the day, authorities used loudspeakers to urge PTI supporters to maintain peace, and warned of strict action against anyone violating the law. Despite these efforts, the tensions continue to rise as the PTI convoy moves toward Jinnah Avenue, with D-Chowk as its ultimate destination.
The standoff between the protesters and the law enforcement officials showed no signs of any solution so far as the situation is volatile and uncertain.
The reports suggested that there might be confrontation between both sides at the end.
