PTI Convoy Heads to Islamabad Amid Protests and Heavy Security

PESHAWAR, Nov 25– A large convoy of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, is on its way to Islamabad. The convoy, which is demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the acceptance of other party demands, has entered Punjab and reached near Burhan.

The convoy includes PTI leaders like Asad Qaiser, Aatif Khan, and Faisal Javed. Upon entering Punjab, the convoy faced heavy shelling by the police.

The government has sealed off all major routes to Islamabad in anticipation of the protest, with containers placed on key highways leading to the capital. Security forces, including police, Rangers, and FC personnel, are stationed at many points. Internet services have been suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi due to security concerns.

Road Closures and Security in Islamabad

Several roads and highways leading to Islamabad, including the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway and GT Road, have been blocked. Trenches have also been dug on roads linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Murree.

Bushra Bibi Joins the Convoy

PTI leader Shaikh Waqas Akram confirmed that Bushra Bibi is part of the convoy and is traveling with workers to achieve Imran Khan’s goals in Islamabad.

Arrests and Clashes

PTI claims that around 500 of its workers have been arrested in various cities. Many arrests have been made in Islamabad, and PTI reports that over 100 of their workers are missing.

Schools Closed Due to Security Concerns

Due to the ongoing security situation, schools in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Murree have been closed. Internet services have been cut, and the Metro Bus service in Rawalpindi has been suspended. Exams at Islamia University in Bahawalpur have also been postponed.

Government’s Response

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the government is not afraid of the protests and will arrest anyone causing unrest. He urged Ali Amin Gandapur to focus on maintaining peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Road Closures in Punjab

Major roads in Punjab, including those in Lahore, Jhelum, and Faisalabad, are blocked with containers. The closure of three bridges over the Jhelum River has cut off land access to Islamabad from Punjab.

Security Measures and Surveillance

To prevent PTI protesters from entering Islamabad, the government has deployed 6,000 police officers and set up CCTV cameras to monitor key locations.

Economic Impact of the Protests

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that the protests are costing the country 190 billion Rupees per day, with additional losses in the IT, telecom, and export sectors.

Terrorism Threat Alert

The National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) has issued a warning of possible terrorist attacks during PTI’s protests. Nacta reported that attackers may have already crossed the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and entered cities, planning attacks.

The situation remains tense, with more developments expected.