PTI convoys from various regions, including one led by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, failed to reach Islamabad for Imran Khan’s “final call” protest on Sunday. They are expected to resume their march toward the capital today amid strong government opposition.
The party announced this morning that Gandapur’s convoy is prepared to restart the march.
Protest Delay and Legal Challenges
Initially scheduled for November 24, the protest was postponed last night when PTI leaders decided to pause, stating they were in “no hurry” to reach Islamabad. Supporters across the country faced arrests, baton charges, and tear gas in their attempt to join the protest.
Last week, the Islamabad High Court declared PTI’s planned protest unlawful and directed the government to maintain law and order in Islamabad. This comes as the Belarusian president arrives in the capital for a three-day visit today.
As of late Sunday night, PTI protesters, mainly from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, were still far from Islamabad. Party and police officials expect the KP supporters’ caravan to enter the capital by Tuesday or Wednesday.
In Punjab and Islamabad, PTI’s mobilization efforts faltered as police quickly dispersed gatherings and detained numerous individuals.
🔴 LIVE | Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's Massive Protest | Imran Khan's Final Call | D-Chowk Islamabad https://t.co/CJlJgZ9b1N
— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 24, 2024Asad Qaiser, a PTI leader, informed that caravans from across the country would take a few more days to reach Islamabad. “The rally from Peshawar to Islamabad spans 14 kilometres,” he added, noting similar numbers from D.I. Khan, Abbottabad, Balochistan, and other areas.
Although rallies have reached Punjab, Qaiser said, “We are not rushing to Islamabad. We can take a day or two to get there and keep the government on edge.”
Police sources noted that PTI’s caravan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa likely paused near Swabi on Sunday and planned to continue to Attock by Monday’s end. They aim to reach Islamabad by Tuesday.
Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s spouse, joined the convoy from Peshawar. Near Swabi Interchange, Gandapur encouraged workers to “utilize all their energy” to overcome obstacles en route to D-Chowk in Islamabad.
The main procession, including groups from Dera Ismail Khan, Balochistan, Tank, and South Waziristan, faced Punjab police near Attock. Clashes ensued as police fired tear gas, and protesters responded with stone-pelting and setting fires.
Government Response and Security Measures
As PTI supporters march toward the capital, the government clearly intends to block their entry, citing security for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is visiting. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that all protesters attempting to enter the capital would be detained.
Internet outage reports spiked early today, with significant disruptions noted on WhatsApp and Instagram, according to Downdetector.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar criticized PTI’s timing for protests, aligning them with visits from global leaders.
To counteract tear gas, the PTI’s KP chapter incorporated large industrial fans into their convoy, a novel approach for political protests in Pakistan.
