PTI convoys, led by prominent leaders including KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, are expected to resume their march toward Islamabad today. The protest is in response to the government’s detention of PTI leader Imran Khan. The party claims this is their “final call” for action despite facing stiff resistance from authorities.
An update shared by PTI early this morning stated that Gandapur and his convoy are ready to restart their journey toward the federal capital.
Protest Faces Security Challenges
Originally scheduled for November 24, the protest was delayed as convoys paused their march to strategize. Supporters from across Pakistan faced tear gas, baton charges, and mass arrests while attempting to join the protest.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) previously declared the protest unlawful. It directed the government to maintain law and order, particularly during the visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, scheduled to arrive in Islamabad today.
Convoys Advance Slowly
PTI protesters, primarily from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), have yet to reach Islamabad. PTI leader Asad Qaiser estimated the caravans would take a few more days to arrive. “The rally from Peshawar to Islamabad stretches over 14 kilometers,” he claimed, adding similar numbers were expected from Dera Ismail Khan, Abbottabad, and Balochistan.
Despite heavy police presence and roadblocks, some groups bypassed barriers to enter Punjab late Sunday night. Processions from regions like Hazara and Malakand used alternate routes, such as the Hazara Expressway, to reach their destination.
Skirmishes with Police Near Attock
Clashes broke out near Attock when Punjab police confronted protesters with tear gas. In retaliation, PTI activists pelted stones, set a toll booth and a van on fire, and continued their march. The skirmishes persisted into Monday morning.
PTI introduced industrial fans to disperse tear gas during the march. Transported on a truck, these fans, reportedly manufactured locally, were unveiled by the KP chapter of the party. Electricity generators were arranged to operate these fans during the protest.
Government Determined to Block Entry
The federal government reiterated its commitment to stopping the PTI march. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that protesters attempting to breach Islamabad’s security would face arrest. Authorities have sealed off the Red Zone and secured the Diplomatic Enclave to prevent disruption.
Naqvi blamed PTI for causing inconvenience to residents and criticized their timing, coinciding with international delegations’ visits. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also accused PTI of conspiring to harm Pakistan’s global image, pointing to their history of staging protests during high-profile events.
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