PTI Protest Convoy Reaches Near Islamabad Amid Heightened Security and Clashes

Islamabad:The **Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)** protest convoy, led by **Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi** and **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur**, has reached **Dhok Ghar** near **Burhan**, continuing its journey towards **Islamabad**. PTI leaders confirmed that the convoy is being led by Ali Amin Gandapur, with Bushra Bibi’s vehicle following closely behind.

In response to the ongoing PTI protests, the government has imposed strict security measures around the federal capital, blocking major roads and deploying heavy security forces. Key routes into Islamabad, including **Expressway**, **Srinagar Highway**, and **Faizabad** have been sealed off with **containers**, while additional forces, including **Rangers**, have been stationed at strategic points.

At **Chungi 26**, containers have been placed to completely seal off the area, and **Rangers** have been deployed for crowd control. **Faizabad** and surrounding areas have witnessed clashes, with the **Rawalpindi Police** using **batons** to disperse protesters. Around **60 PTI workers** have been arrested, while authorities claim that up to **150** PTI supporters were present in the area.

Meanwhile, PTI leaders claim that more than **490** workers and leaders from various cities of **Punjab** have been arrested, with another **100** still missing.

**Heavy Security Measures and Road Closures**

In addition to blocking roads, police authorities have taken extreme measures to prevent PTI supporters from reaching Islamabad. **CCTV cameras** are monitoring **70 points** between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, while **6,000 police officers** have been deployed to maintain control. The **Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus** service has been suspended, and **mobile and internet services** have been disrupted in some areas to control the spread of information.

The **Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa** border has also been sealed at **Attock Khurd**, where security personnel have been deployed to stop the movement of PTI’s protest convoys. **Checkposts** have been set up in various cities, and key routes leading to Islamabad, including those from Lahore, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, have been blocked.

In **Murray**, critical roads connecting **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa** and **Kashmir** to Islamabad have been closed, and authorities have dug trenches to prevent access.

**PTI’s Strategy and Plans for Continued Protest**

Despite the intense security measures, PTI is determined to continue its protests. **Ali Amin Gandapur**, in an interview, confirmed that he will lead the protest convoy to Islamabad and that the protests will continue until their demands, including the release of PTI’s founder **Imran Khan**, are met. He stated, “We will continue the protest until our demands are fulfilled.”

**PTI Chairman Imran Khan** has also made it clear that only he can call off the protests. **Barrister Gohar**, PTI’s chairman, emphasized that the protest call can only be retracted by **Imran Khan** himself.

**Government’s Response and Security Preparedness**

The government has issued a strong warning, with **Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Asif**, asserting that if PTI arrives with armed groups, the government will respond accordingly. He accused PTI of wanting to “politicize deaths,” and warned that the government was fully prepared to handle the situation.

In a similar tone, **Federal Minister for Information, Ata Tarar**, declared that anyone coming to protest in Islamabad will be arrested. He emphasized that law enforcement will not allow any unlawful assemblies to disrupt the peace in the capital.

As the situation continues to unfold, the country faces increasing tension between PTI’s defiant stance and the government’s determination to maintain order, with both sides preparing for further confrontations.