Convoys of ex-PM Khan’s party delayed, yet to reach Islamabad for ‘final call’ protest

Supporters of Pakistan's main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), are marching toward Islamabad to demand the release of jailed leader Imran Khan, the reversal of February’s disputed election results, and the rollback of recent judicial reforms.

Authorities have blocked highways leading to the capital, anticipating the marchers’ approach and their planned gathering near parliament. Islamabad police, in a statement, said all public gatherings have been banned under legal provisions.

Major roads in the city have been sealed with shipping containers, and large contingents of police and paramilitary personnel in riot gear have been deployed. Mobile phone services in key areas have also been suspended.

Global internet watchdog NetBlocks said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that live metrics showed WhatsApp messaging services had been restricted ahead of the protests.

Despite the ban, PTI supporters from across Pakistan—and some from abroad—are pressing forward with their protest. “We will remove all obstacles ahead and reach D-Chowk,” said Mubashar, a PTI supporter from Peshawar, speaking at the Peshawar Motorway Toll Plaza. “We will stay here until Imran Khan is released from Adiala Jail.”

KP convoy faces tear gas, roadblocks at Ghazi Barotha Bridge

The PTI convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur encountered its first major obstacle at the Ghazi Barotha Canal Bridge, where the motorway has been completely blocked by authorities.

Police fired tear gas at PTI workers who arrived ahead of the convoy. In retaliation, some supporters set the motorway’s greenbelt on fire.

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PTI MPA Fazal Elahi vowed to remove the barricades. "We will clear the obstacles no matter what," he said. However, he admitted the task was challenging. "The containers are numerous and difficult to move quickly," he added.

Fazal Elahi suggested the convoy might spend the night near the bridge. "Given the number of barriers, we may stay here tonight. We will proceed after clearing the road," he said.

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Authorities have taken strict measures to block routes to Islamabad, as PTI supporters march toward the capital, demanding the release of their jailed leader, Imran Khan, and other political concessions.

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Islamabad’s red zone, where D-Chowk is located, houses key institutions, including the parliament building, government offices, embassies, and foreign missions.

Bushra Bibi addresses PTI supporters

Bushra Bibi, wife of jailed PTI leader Imran Khan, delivered a brief message to party workers near Ghazi Barotha Bridge during the march.

"Stay in your vehicles; we must move forward," she urged, adding, "We cannot return without securing Khan's release."

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She also expressed frustration over the delays, saying, "This is wasting valuable time." Bushra Bibi also climbed atop a container near Ghazi Barotha Bridge to assess the situation.

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Her presence energized supporters, who drew inspiration from seeing her on the frontlines.

Bushra Bibi doesn’t want to lead convoy: Gohar

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, while speaking to Nukta, clarified that Bushra Bibi has not expressed any desire to lead the convoy. "She simply wishes to stay with the convoy," he said.

Gohar added that he plans to join the convoy in Islamabad.

Commenting on the ongoing negotiations, he stated, "There has been no progress today. The government has not reached out again."

However, he expressed cautious optimism, saying, "There is a possibility of progress tomorrow."

‘Anyone attempting to reach Islamabad will be arrested’

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated the government’s firm stance against any disruptions owing to PTI’s protest. "The government fears no one. Anyone attempting to reach Islamabad or D-Chowk will be arrested," he warned.

Naqvi also alleged that foreign nationals, particularly Afghans, participated in PTI protests.

Speaking at a press conference at D-Chowk, Naqvi revealed that out of 100 individuals arrested during a previous protest, 33 were Afghan nationals. "In the last two days, several foreign nationals have also been detained," he said.

Naqvi called on PTI to clarify its protest demographics. "Is this protest led by Pakistanis, or is it driven by foreigners?" he asked.

The minister said the government would present the facts and damages caused by PTI’s protests to the public once the demonstrations conclude. "These protests harm the country and create significant distress for the people," he added.

Naqvi confirmed that mobile phone services remain operational nationwide, though mobile data services are suspended temporarily. "We are monitoring the situation and will restore services as soon as possible to provide relief to the public," he said.

He shared that he had informed PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar about the arrival of foreign delegations in Pakistan. "If PTI had chosen any other dates, I wouldn’t doubt their intentions. But they always call for protests during international events or visits," Naqvi said.

Gandapur urges unity among PTI workers

During a brief address in Swabi, Gandapur called on PTI workers to unite and support one another.

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"We will carve our path using the machinery," he declared, alluding to PTI's use of state machinery to overcome obstacles imposed by government authorities.

PTI leaders arrested

Sources said that Punjab Police have detained PTI leaders Zain Qureshi alongside Aamir Dogar. Both leaders were reportedly taken into custody at Qadirpur Ran Toll Plaza in Multan.

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Police arrested PTI workers who had gathered at D-Chowk, including a man and a woman. Both were transported to a police station in a prisoner van.

Ten others were detained near the Faizabad flyover, claiming they were merely passersby.

Islamabad police allegedly assaulted government employees but released two young men after they presented their service cards.

Bushra Bibi part of convoy heading to Islamabad

PTI's central information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said that the former first lady is part of PTI’s convoy, which is being led by Gandapur.

“The convoy has already set off from Peshawar, and Bushra Bibi is traveling to Islamabad alongside workers to achieve the goals set by Imran Khan. She stated that workers cannot be left alone at this time. If we expect workers to involve their families, then Khan's family must be the first to participate in this march and successfully accomplish the objectives set by him,” he said.

PTI MNA Asif Khan said that the authorities were putting pressure on transporters to cancel their bookings. "We were forced to bring vehicles from other districts," he explained.

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The determination of protesters is evident in their preparation, with some having sent supplies to Islamabad a week in advance. Amin Murad, who traveled by motorcycle from the northern city of Chitral, expressed confidence in public support for their demonstration demanding Khan's release.

In a sign of the protest's international draw, some supporters have traveled from overseas. "I've specially come from Saudi Arabia for today's protest," said Mushtaq, a party worker from Dir. "We will overcome all difficulties and head towards Islamabad's D-Chowk."

Educational institutions in Islamabad to remain closed on Monday

Islamabad’s district administration has announced the closure of all educational institutions in the federal capital tomorrow.

A notification issued by the administration stated that the decision was made in light of the current situation.

"The closure applies to all educational institutions in Islamabad," a spokesperson confirmed.

Lockdown in capital

The convergence comes despite the government's ban on public gatherings in Islamabad, citing court orders and security concerns. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized the restrictions are necessary due to both an impending high-level Belarusian delegation visit and a recent threat alert from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department warning of potential militant attacks.

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Authorities have extended Section 144, prohibiting gatherings of five or more people, for two months in Islamabad, particularly affecting the Red Zone where key government buildings are located. The ban also cites violations of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024, which requires seven days' notice for public gatherings.

Threat alert

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department has issued a threat alert regarding a potential attack on the PTI protest in Islamabad.

Technical intelligence indicates that militants, identified as Khawarij elements, may target the gathering with a suicide bombing in an attempt to incite mass panic.

Authorities have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and implement precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incidents.

PTI's demands

The PTI's demands include the release of all its leaders, including Khan, as well as the resignation of the current government due to what it says was a rigged election this year.

Khan has been in jail since August last year and, since being voted out of power by parliament in 2022, faces a number of charges ranging from corruption to instigation of violence.

He and his party deny all the charges.

"These constant protests are destroying the economy and creating instability... we want the political leadership to sit together and resolve these matters," Muhammad Asif, 35, a resident of Islamabad said in front of a closed market.

The last protest in Islamabad by PTI in early October turned violent with one policeman killed, dozens of security personnel injured and protesters arrested. Both sides accused the other of instigating the clashes.

Ministers say PTI seeks chaos to derail economic recovery

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has warned that permitting the “dharna group” responsible for the events of May 9 to demonstrate again is dangerous, in an apparent reference to Imran Khan.

Speaking at a press conference at the party secretariat in Model Town, Lahore, Iqbal said the government is currently facing a challenging situation. "PTI aims to create chaos and sabotage the country’s economic recovery," he said. "We showed leniency in the past, but it led to incidents like May 9."

He added, "Expecting goodwill from this group after May 9 is a risk. I hope their sit-in fails today, and the situation stabilizes. The arrest of PTI’s founder was not carried out by the administration, so the demand for his release cannot be met by the government. His cases are in court, and the government has no authority to release him."

Iqbal criticized the PTI founder, saying, "This is the same person who came to power in 2014 due to the establishment and now looks to them again. In 2018, he collaborated with the establishment to disrupt the RTS system during the elections. Even today, he seeks negotiations with the establishment. What kind of freedom struggle is this?"

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar issued a statement on the current situation, questioning PTI’s motives behind scheduling protests during significant international visits.

"Why does PTI always call for protests when key global figures are visiting Pakistan?" Dar asked. "Whether it was the Chinese Premier's visit on October 14, the SCO Summit on October 15-16, or the Belarusian President's delegation arriving today, they choose these moments to play political games."

He urged, "For God’s sake, prioritize Pakistan over petty politics!"

With additional input from Kamran Ali in Peshawar.