ISLAMABAD, November 25, 2024: A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest march, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, crossed the Islamabad Toll Plaza on Monday as it made its way toward the federal capital.
The rally, originally scheduled for November 24, was delayed overnight as PTI leaders stated they were “in no hurry” to reach Islamabad, despite growing tensions between protesters and authorities.
The protest, which has been met with strong resistance from the government, is being seen as a “do or die” demonstration, with PTI workers and supporters risking arrests, baton charges, and tear gas to participate.
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The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had earlier ruled that the protest was unlawful and directed the federal government to take all necessary measures to maintain law and order in the capital, particularly with the arrival of the Belarusian president for a three-day official visit.
After a day of violent clashes at Kachi Pahari on the motorway, where PTI supporters and law enforcement agencies exchanged heavy blows, the rally successfully broke through barricades and reached the Islamabad Toll Plaza late in the evening.
Following this, intense clashes between protesters and police were reported at the Toll Plaza, further escalating tensions.
In a troubling development, the Punjab police reported that a constable was killed by “miscreants” at the Hakla interchange during the protests.
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The PTI shared visuals showing the convoy of Chief Minister Gandapur entering Islamabad, with plans to continue towards D-Chowk, a key protest location in the capital.
Bushra Bibi, in a video message, urged people to continue their efforts and encouraged those who had not yet joined the rally to make their way to Islamabad.
As the situation remains volatile, the government is preparing to take decisive action against those responsible for the violence.