ISLAMABAD – A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest caravan, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, reached Zero Point, where tensions escalated. Protesters reportedly threw stones near the area, prompting the police to respond with tear gas shelling. Meanwhile, military forces have been deployed around key government buildings, including Parliament House, on Constitution Avenue.
Despite Imran Khan agreeing to hold the protest at an alternative venue, Bushra Bibi refused to comply. She stated that the workers would not accept any negotiation that excludes their presence at D-Chowk.
Bushra Bibi accused certain “conspiratorial elements” of attempting to prevent the protest at D-Chowk, insisting that Imran Khan had directed her to lead the rally to D-Chowk at all costs.
She maintained that the party’s workers are steadfast in their demand for a protest at D-Chowk, and dismissed any alternative.
Sources revealed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has remained silent on negotiation matters, while PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar has yet to finalize any decisions. The central leadership of PTI appears divided and unable to agree on a definitive location for the sit-in.
Chief Minister Gandapur reportedly expressed difficulties in coordinating the protestors’ movement to a designated location in Islamabad.
Earlier, a PTI delegation led by Barrister Gohar held a second significant meeting with Imran Khan. The 40-minute discussion reportedly focused on protest strategies and the government’s proposed options. After the meeting, Barrister Gohar met with Bushra Bibi and Chief Minister Gandapur to brief them on Imran Khan’s directives.
During the meeting, Imran Khan recorded an important video message for Bushra Bibi, Ali Amin Gandapur, and the party workers. Barrister Gohar later delivered the recorded message to the key leaders. Following the message, it was anticipated that PTI leadership would announce the next course of action.
The sources said that that Imran Khan agreed to one of the government’s proposals mentioned in the video.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had said that the government had denied PTI permission to hold a rally at D-Chowk, citing prior precedents.
He advised PTI to submit a formal request and move the protest to Sangjani. Naqvi emphasized that PTI’s leadership had twice visited Adiala Jail for approvals.
“We have already informed them that if Section 144 is enforced or extreme measures are taken, we will not be responsible for any damages,” the minister added.
