Authorities ended the Islamabad protest led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) late Tuesday through a large-scale operation. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Ataullah Tarar reported that the protesters had dispersed and fled toward Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). They also noted that K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi had arrived in K-P.
Minister Naqvi confirmed that law enforcement had cleared the protest site, ending the disruption. Minister Tarar echoed his remarks, noting the protesters’ departure from the capital. Both ministers assured that normalcy would resume the next day.
Authorities targeted PTI protesters who had gathered in the capital, resulting in many arrests during intense confrontations. The situation escalated on the third day of PTI’s “final call” for Imran Khan’s release, as protesters overcame all barriers to D-Chowk.
Chief Minister Gandapur and Bushra Bibi led the protesters toward Parliament, reaching their intended destination despite obstacles. Footage showed protesters atop containers near Parliament, highlighting government restraint until the army intervened with strict measures, pushing the protesters back. Before this, Bushra Bibi rallied the crowd, emphasizing their commitment to not leave without Imran Khan.
The conflict persisted into the night, with government ministers ending negotiations with PTI after their symbolic successes earlier in the day. After midnight, authorities had secured the area and detained numerous protesters, with PTI leaders out of sight. Special teams were reportedly formed to capture PTI leadership.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram withheld comments on the protest’s conclusion, stating that the party was assessing the situation and trying to establish contact with its leadership. He promised an official statement soon, acknowledging injuries to several PTI workers during the clashes.
In a media briefing, Tarar highlighted the significant setback for PTI and described the protest as ineffective. He detailed the scene of abandonment, with protesters leaving behind personal belongings as they fled.
Reports suggest that over 450 protesters were detained, and Minister Naqvi projects a return to normal activities by Wednesday. On November 13, PTI outlined its demands, including the release of Imran Khan, the reversal of the 26th constitutional amendment, the restoration of democracy, and the rectification of the alleged misappropriation of the party’s mandate in the 2024 General Elections.
