Police operation: Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur flee from D-Chowk area
Key Figures Escape During Operation
During a significant police operation in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, fled the scene in a vehicle.
- The pair was last seen near Kalsoom Plaza in the Blue Area, with only a small group of PTI protesters nearby.
- Escape Route:
- Bushra Bibi’s vehicle was reported heading towards KP House.
- An Islamabad Police squad is in pursuit of her truck.
Protesters Disperse
As the PTI leadership evacuated the area, the workers also fled, abandoning vehicles and dispersing into residential sectors of Islamabad.
- Key routes like Jinnah Avenue and Seventh Avenue were left empty.
- Protesters abandoned the central rally point amid intensifying security measures.
Clashes and Arrests
The police operation, focused on Khyber Chowk and Kalsoom Plaza, led to significant clashes and disruptions:
- Containers Reinstalled: Law enforcement reestablished barriers that had been removed earlier.
- Central Container Fire: The central PTI container caught fire during the operation, though the cause remains unclear.
- Mass Arrests:
- Over 450 PTI workers were taken into custody during the crackdown.
- Security forces have tightened their grip on the area to prevent regrouping.
Implications for PTI’s Protest Strategy
The abrupt exit of PTI’s leadership and the dispersal of protesters highlight the challenges in maintaining momentum:
- Leadership Gap: With senior leaders fleeing, the absence of coordinated leadership may affect PTI’s ability to regroup.
- Tactical Setback: The loss of the central protest point and the high number of arrests could weaken PTI’s position in Islamabad.
Conclusion
The crackdown on PTI’s protests marks a critical moment in the escalating unrest. The flight of key leaders like Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, along with the mass arrests, suggests a significant disruption to PTI’s plans. The situation remains volatile, with law enforcement maintaining strict control over the capital.