'Final call' falls flat as leadership crisis plagues PTI’s Islamabad protest

Bushra Bibi, wife of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, led the party’s most recent protest - dubbed the "final call" - in Islamabad. However, the event ended in chaos as senior leaders abandoned their followers after reaching D-Chowk – the culmination point of the protest - raising questions about the PTI’s strategy and leadership.

The protest, marred by heavy shelling and clashes, saw Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur retreating from the scene, leaving workers leaderless. Only hours earlier, Bushra Bibi had vowed: "We will not return without Imran Khan's release."

The abrupt exit left thousands of PTI supporters demoralized. In retaliation, some protestors set fire to leadership vehicles and a designated container stage.

Tuesday also witnessed a steep decline in Pakistan’s stock market as news of the unrest spread. The KSE-100 index fell by 5,240 points—the largest drop in PSX history. However, markets surged the following day, with a record recovery of 4.77%, signaling economic optimism as protests dissipated.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) urged the government and PTI to prioritize dialogue. “Pakistan’s political stability is key to its economic future,” the HRCP said, calling for immediate negotiations in parliament.

Despite Imran Khan’s widespread popularity, public fatigue over prolonged protests and disruption to daily life is evident. Markets, businesses, and public sentiment now favor stability over confrontation.

Observers have noted the PTI’s lack of leadership planning, with several senior members, including Barrister Gohar and Shibli Faraz, absent during the protest. This marks the PTI’s third failed march on Islamabad since February.

The Supreme Court rejected a plea for suo motu action over protest-related deaths, stating it could not intervene without a formal case. Four protesters and five security personnel lost their lives in Tuesday’s unrest, further solidifying public sympathy for state institutions.

The situation underscores the urgent need for political reconciliation to ensure Pakistan’s economic and political stability.