PTI Convoy Marches Toward Islamabad: Key Developments and Government Response
PTI Convoy Heads to Islamabad
A central convoy of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, is advancing toward Islamabad. The march aims to demand the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and address other party concerns.
Convoy Composition and Leadership
- The convoy includes prominent leaders such as Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, Shehram Tarakai, and Faisal Javed, alongside central and provincial assembly members.
- Currently near Dhoke Ghar, close to Burhan, the convoy has entered Punjab after crossing the Attock boundary, facing intense police shelling.
Government-Imposed Restrictions
Sealed Routes and Barriers
- All major routes to Islamabad have been sealed using containers.
- Key roads such as the GT Road, Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway, and access roads to Murree have been barricaded or dug up.
- Adiala Jail routes and bridges over the Jhelum River have been completely closed, cutting off access to Islamabad.
Suspended Internet Services
- Internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been suspended due to security concerns.
- Metro bus services are also halted until further notice.
Protests and Arrests
Mass Arrests of PTI Workers
- PTI alleges that 500 workers have been arrested across the country, with 100 missing.
- Significant arrests include retired Colonel Ajmal Sabir in Rawalpindi. Police operations in Faizabad and other areas have detained numerous protesters.
Claims from PTI Leadership
- PTI leader Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed that Bushra Bibi is part of the largest convoy from Peshawar, moving toward Islamabad to support Imran Khan’s agenda.
Impact on Daily Life
Educational Institutions and Public Services
- Schools in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Murree remain closed.
- Exams at Islamia University Bahawalpur have been postponed.
- Normal life in cities like Lahore, Jhelum, and Faisalabad is heavily disrupted due to road closures.
Government’s Stance
Zero Tolerance for Chaos
- Interior Minister clarified that the government will not tolerate chaos and assured that the situation is under control nationwide except in areas where protesters are active.
- Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab’s caretaker Chief Minister, criticized PTI’s focus on protests, urging Ali Amin Gandapur to prioritize peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Security Measures Intensified
Heavy Deployment of Forces
- Police, Rangers, and FC personnel are stationed on all routes to Islamabad.
- Protests near Adiala Jail are strictly prohibited, with heavy police deployment and road closures in place.
Conclusion
The PTI convoy’s march toward Islamabad has sparked significant unrest, with widespread road closures, internet shutdowns, and mass arrests. The government remains firm in its stance to prevent chaos while the PTI continues to push for its demands. As tensions rise, the situation is being closely monitored to avoid any escalation.