Bushra Bibi, wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, addressed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters on Monday. She reiterated her demand for Khan’s release as PTI convoys approached Islamabad.
Speaking near the Hazara Interchange, Bushra Bibi said, “As long as Imran is not with us, we will not end this march. I will stay till my last breath, and all of you must support me. This is about the country’s future.”
She accompanied a convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amin Ali Gandapur.
PTI Leaders Rally Supporters
In a video message, Bushra Bibi urged those yet to join the rally to head to Islamabad. PTI leaders claimed high morale among supporters as they moved toward the capital. Convoys from Peshawar, Hazara, and other regions converged at key points, despite roadblocks and police action.
Sanam Javaid Khan, a PTI leader, shared updates on social media, reporting their convoy had reached Hassanabdal by early afternoon.
Skirmishes with Police
PTI processions faced resistance from security forces near Attock and other areas. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters, who responded with stone-pelting and setting fire to a toll booth.
Shaukat Yousafzai, a PTI leader, claimed police retreated after witnessing the size of the rally. He accused the government of incompetence, saying, “Their only goal is to crush PTI.”
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Convoy Progress and Strategy
Convoys from regions such as Shangla, Swabi, and Mardan converged on motorways leading to Islamabad. PTI’s central procession, led by Gandapur, aimed to reach D-Chowk despite barriers.
“We are moving peacefully but with determination,” Yousafzai said, adding the rally would continue until “innocent political prisoners,” including Khan, were freed.
Government Stands Firm
The federal government remains resolute in its stance to prevent PTI’s entry into Islamabad. Security forces blocked roads leading to the Red Zone, leaving Margalla Road as the only open route.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari criticized PTI’s protests, questioning their strategy to secure Imran Khan’s release. “The KP CM wants to attack the capital while the country faces crises,” she said.
High Court Declares Protest Unlawful
The Islamabad High Court recently ruled PTI’s protest unlawful, directing authorities to maintain order in the capital. The government is also hosting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for an official visit, complicating the situation.
Despite setbacks, PTI leaders expressed no urgency to reach Islamabad, suggesting a calculated strategy to exhaust the government. Asad Qaiser, a senior PTI leader, said, “Our destination is Islamabad, but we can take a day or two to let the government panic.”
Ongoing Clashes and Escalation
Skirmishes continued into early Monday as PTI convoys navigated obstacles. Police intelligence suggested the main procession would reach Islamabad by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Protesters defied expectations by circumventing roadblocks via alternative routes. Groups from southern KP used the Hakla-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, while others entered Punjab through the Hazara Expressway.
The rallies aim to converge at D-Chowk, with Gandapur urging supporters to “utilize all their energy” to overcome barriers.
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