Municipal workers clean the street leading to Red Zone area next to damaged vehicles after an overnight security forces operation against the supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in Islamabad on November 27, 2024.
AFP
Normalcy returned to Islamabad on Wednesday as Pakistan security forces cleared protestors who marched on the capital to demand the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan after a sweeping security crackdown.
Thousands of protesters had surged into Islamabad since the weekend, answering Khan's call to protest his sidelining from February elections he claims were rigged to prevent his comeback.
The government deployed hundreds of security forces to the capital, where they faced off with demonstrators attempting to occupy a public square near the parliament and the prime minister's residence.
In a late-night operation, police and paramilitary forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters wielding sticks and slingshots, as roadblocks were set ablaze.
- YouTubeyoutu.be
But by early Wednesday, the main thoroughfare towards Islamabad's government enclave cleared of crowds and security forces in riot gear being bussed away from the area.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA), a government body responsible for providing municipal services to the city, completed a cleanliness drive early this morning in the Blue Area and D-Chowk, two of the most affected areas.
Reuters
Women and children collect recyclables from the burnt truck used by Bushra Bibi, wife of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, after security forces launched a raid on supporters of Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) who had stormed the capital demanding his release on Tuesday, in Islamabad, Pakistan, November 27, 2024.
Sanitary workers removed scattered clothes, shoes, and other belongings left behind by protesters.
However, several abandoned vehicles with broken windows and damaged doors still remain in various locations.
Business activities resumed
Business activities have also resumed today, and educational institutions are set to reopen tomorrow.
Authorities have reopened roads previously blocked due to the protests, and efforts to remove containers from the Red Zone and other key areas are underway.
The Red Zone, guarded by army soldiers, houses the country's most important offices and buildings, including the parliament and an enclave of foreign missions.
Under the directives of the Deputy Commissioner, a city-wide cleaning operation is also in progress to restore order on Islamabad’s roads.
According to Islamabad Traffic Police, both sides of 26 Number Chungi and Rawat T-Cross have been opened for commuters. Additionally, Srinagar Highway and the Expressway —two main arteries of the capital — are now fully operational for traffic in both directions.
Iran Avenue has also been cleared and reopened, though barriers on the E-11 flyover are still being removed.
Two major public sector hospitals, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital, have refrained from issuing official statements to address misinformation circulating on social media regarding deaths and injuries during the protests.
Top court rejects plea for suo moto notice on protest deaths
The constitutional bench of the Supreme Court has rejected a plea by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to take suo moto notice of deaths reported during the violent PTI protests.
During a hearing on an unrelated case concerning the Climate Change Authority, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Additional Advocate General appeared via video link, arguing that the bench has the authority to take suo moto notice. He requested action on the deaths reported on both sides during the protests.
Justice Musarrat Hilali warned against making political statements in the courtroom. Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, head of the bench, remarked, “We cannot address matters that are not directly before us.”
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail further clarified, “This matter is not under our consideration, and we do not wish to deliberate on it.” The bench subsequently dismissed the plea.
HRCP expresses concern over loss of lives
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has urged the government and opposition, particularly the PTI, to engage in meaningful political dialogue both in parliament and across party lines.
The HRCP emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis, warning against actions that inflame political tensions, disrupt public life, and violate citizens’ rights to freedom of movement and livelihood, especially in Islamabad and Punjab.
The HRCP expressed concern over the loss of human lives during protests and rallies, stating, “Whether law enforcers or political workers, any casualty must be unacceptable for all.”
The commission extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the violence and condemned the authorities for the alleged excessive use of force.
It reiterated the need for prioritizing dialogue over violence to restore stability and prevent further loss of life.
PTI MNA Atif Khan pledges support for arrested workers
PTI MNA Atif Khan has vowed to support party workers arrested during the protests, stating they will not be left alone.
He confirmed efforts are underway to gather information about those detained, including their identities and the total number of arrests.
Bushra Bibi, wife of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, and supporters of Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) attend a rally demanding his release, in Islamabad, Pakistan, November 26, 2024.Reuters
Atif Khan also highlighted that PTI’s legal team is preparing a strategy to secure the release of detained workers.
He assured that all necessary measures are being taken to support those arrested and ensure their swift release.
PTI calls off protest
PTI had planned on staging a sit-in in the Red Zone until the release of Khan, who has been in jail since August last year.
PTI's president for the city of Peshawar in the party's northern stronghold of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said the party had called off the protest.
"We will chalk out the new strategy later after proper consultation,” Mohammad Asim told Reuters.
He said that Bushra Bibi as well as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, a key Khan ally, had returned "safely" to the province from the capital.
—With additional input from Reuters and AFP.
Comments
See what people are discussing