Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has announced that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) convoy has arrived at Islamabad’s D-Chowk and will remain there until Imran Khan gives it directives.
While addressing workers at D-Chowk, the Chief Minister accused the government of adopting a ‘fascist approach,’ although the PTI aims to protest peacefully.
He emphasized, “This is our country, and we aim to liberate it. No one has the right to dictate to us.”
During his address, Gandapur led chants that energized the crowd, as reported by Express News.
The PTI’s convoy, having reached D-Chowk, found the military had secured the area. Meanwhile, police intermittently shelled the protesters.
Read: D-Chowk Clash: Escalating Violence at PTI Protest in Islamabad
Discussions between the government and PTI continue, with PTI representatives visiting Imran Khan in Adiala Jail to discuss developments.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi attributed the unrest to a “hidden hand” that influenced events.
He noted that while PTI leadership prefers peaceful dialogue, a secretive influence remains powerful.
Naqvi expressed concern, stating, “I fear this hidden hand might dominate the party; it harbours different intentions, and PTI may not realize its deception.”
In a statement at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, Naqvi conveyed, “I have instructed the police to manage the situation as they deem suitable. We are preparing for the arrival of three or four convoys, mostly from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, comprising about 2,000 trained individuals.”
He further explained that while PTI actively participates in discussions and makes decisions, an unseen leadership controls the party, rendering other leaders powerless.
Following a fatal incident involving a police constable near the Hakka Interchange, charges have been filed against PTI’s leadership, including Imran Khan and Gandapur.
The FIR, lodged at the Taxila police station, accuses them under the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The report detailed that the accused, armed with various weapons, attacked police personnel, instigating a forced dispersal by the police.
Read: Federal Government Deploys Army in Islamabad to Manage PTI Protest