Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, reportedly fled D-Chowk as authorities initiated a major operation against the protesters.
Sources report that hundreds of Punjab and Islamabad police officers participated in the operation, resulting in the arrest of approximately 450 PTI protesters.
According to sources, law enforcement successfully cleared the Blue Area, Khyber Chowk, and Kulsoom Plaza of PTI protesters.
This is the current situation in Islamabad's D-Chowk, where the state is resorting to heavy shelling and direct firing on innocent civilians exercising their democratic right to peaceful protest. Many deaths have been reported, and the toll continues to rise. Hundreds are… pic.twitter.com/KrNSKCShG5
— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 26, 2024During the confrontations, police deployed tear gas, and there were reports of gunfire involving security personnel and protesters. Bushra Bibi and CM Gandapur reportedly escaped in the same vehicle, pursued by an Islamabad police squad.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi authorized police to address the PTI protesters. Naqvi accused Bushra Bibi of instigating the chaos that caused significant loss of life and property in Islamabad, labelling her as “One Woman” behind the turmoil.
Kamal Hyder reporting for Al-Jazeera reported the use of live rounds against peaceful protesters in #Pakistan by the country's illegitimate regime.
Multiple reports indicate numerous civilians brought to hospitals with bullet injuries. Several have also reportedly been murdered… pic.twitter.com/Mi8xUx9IaG
— PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) November 26, 2024In a media briefing on Tuesday, the Interior Minister stated, “Securing the Red Zone in Islamabad has been our utmost priority. ” Naqvi confirmed that forces had cleared protesters from D-Chowk, pushing them back to several roundabouts. He emphasized that the authorities would not negotiate with the demonstrators.
“We have attempted dialogue in every possible way. They agree to talks and then withdraw,” said Naqvi. He mentioned that roads were opened to allow PTI protesters to move toward Sangjani.
Naqvi suggested that the PTI is under the influence of a “secret hand” stronger than other elements within the party. “They have ulterior motives,” he stated, warning that they will encounter situations they have not anticipated.”
