ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, accompanied by PTI founder Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, reached Hazara Motorway on their way to Islamabad for the PTI protest at D-Chowk.
The convoy came to a halt at Hazara Motorway due to roadblocks set up by authorities to prevent their advance. Reports suggest that PTI workers accompanying the convoy set fire to nearby hills and bushes in response to the blockade.
Earlier, despite obstacles and containers placed to block their route, workers managed to clear the road at the Ghazi Barotha Bridge, allowing Gandapur and Bushra Bibi to proceed toward the Burhan Interchange.
Meanwhile, PTI convoys from southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stopped at the Fateh Jang Interchange, planning to resume their march at dawn with hundreds of vehicles involved.
Omar Ayub addresses his convoy in Haripur
Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan of the PTI vowed to lead his convoy to Islamabad “at all costs.”
Speaking during a stop in Haripur, he expressed confidence in reaching the capital, declaring, “We will reach Islamabad in any case, Insha Allah.” He also confirmed plans to join Chief Minister Gandapur’s convoy en route to the federal capital.
Rejecting negotiations with the current administration, Ayub said, “We will not hold any talks with the Form 47 government,” alleging that it was incapable of independent action.
Authorities Respond With Extensive Security Measures
Authorities have implemented heightened security and shut down roads nationwide to counter PTI’s protest calls, causing significant disruptions in multiple cities. In Lahore, all entry and exit routes have been blocked with containers, and police checkpoints have been set up across the city. Anti-riot forces and other units have been deployed to maintain order.
Key locations such as Niazi Shaheed Chowk, Shahdara Chowk, Begum Kot, Saggian, Imamia Colony railway crossing, and the old Ravi Bridge have been sealed. The Lahore Ring Road and its Eastern Bypass are completely closed, and all motorways out of Lahore have been blocked.
Electricity in areas like Niazi Chowk has been suspended as a precaution, and a heavy police presence, including anti-terrorism units, has been deployed in Islamabad’s Faizabad area. Additional forces have been stationed at the Hakla Interchange to intercept PTI convoys approaching the capital.
Protests Gain Momentum Amid Clashes
As PTI protests intensify, reports of clashes between demonstrators and security personnel have surfaced. Authorities continue efforts to manage the unrest while PTI workers vowed to take their march toward Islamabad.
