PTI Caravan Reaches D-Chowk, Army Takes Control, Clashes with Police Intensify

Islamabad: The PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) convoy, led by Bushra Bibi, has reached D-Chowk after advancing from Zero Point towards Jinnah Avenue. The Pakistan Army has taken control of the area, while police are engaged in intense shelling, and PTI workers are responding with stone-throwing.
Local authorities have closed major markets such as Aabpara and Super Market, while vehicles have been removed from the streets leading to D-Chowk. Shops in the Blue Area and along the service roads have also been shut down.
KP CM Declares Protest Will Continue Until Imran Khan’s Orders
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, addressing the crowd at D-Chowk, declared that PTI will not leave until they receive instructions from party leader Imran Khan. Gandapur stated that the government is resorting to fascism but vowed to continue with a peaceful sit-in protest. He emphasized that PTI’s mission is to free the country from oppression, adding that “no one can impose decisions on us.”
Federal Minister Accuses PTI of Inciting Violence
In a media briefing, Federal Minister for Information Aftab Tarar accused PTI leadership of attempting to provoke violence and bloodshed. He stated that the state would not allow such an outcome and would not retaliate with violence. Tarar criticized PTI leaders, claiming that their strategy thrives on conflict and bloodshed.
Interior Minister Claims Hidden Forces Behind the Violence
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, visiting D-Chowk to assess the situation, attributed the unrest to “hidden forces” manipulating the situation. Naqvi stated that while PTI’s leadership desires negotiation, there are other forces at play which are pushing for chaos. He also hinted at the possibility of a “takeover” of the party, though he refrained from naming anyone directly.
Army Deploys Across Islamabad, Media Evacuated from D-Chowk
The Pakistan Army has deployed troops at key locations in Islamabad, including Parliament House and the Supreme Court, in response to the growing unrest. Military personnel have taken positions atop containers in the area. Media teams and diplomatic staff have been evacuated from D-Chowk for security reasons.
Bushra Bibi Asserts Protest Plan Will Not Change
Bushra Bibi, wife of Imran Khan, addressed the protesters, insisting that they will not leave D-Chowk until Khan is released. She told the crowd that the protest plan would remain unchanged until Imran Khan himself gives further instructions. “We will not move to any other location and will continue the sit-in at D-Chowk,” she said.
Protests Lead to Court Delays
Due to the closure of key roads in Islamabad, court hearings, including those for the Toshakhana case, have been delayed. The judicial system in the twin cities is facing disruptions as access to the Red Zone has been restricted.
Clashes Intensify as Police Use Tear Gas
Violent clashes continue between police and PTI supporters, with intense tear gas shelling reported at various locations, including Blue Area and Aabpara. The situation escalated further as police struggled to contain the advancing protesters, and reinforcements from Rawalpindi and Rangers were deployed to handle the crowd.
Four Rangers Personnel and Two Police Officers Killed in Violence
In a shocking development, four Rangers personnel and two police officers have been killed in ongoing clashes, and several others have been injured. Following the deaths of security personnel, the government invoked Article 245, calling in the army to maintain law and order in the capital. The army has been given orders to deal with “troublemakers” harshly.
Rangers Officers Run Over by Protesters
A CCTV video has surfaced showing protesters running over Rangers officers with a vehicle during the ongoing unrest. The disturbing footage, recorded on the night of November 26, shows a fast-moving vehicle intentionally hitting the officers, leading to further tensions in the region.
Imran Khan and Barrister Gohar Discuss Protest Strategy
PTI chairman Imran Khan had a video call with Barrister Gohar, who then contacted Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur regarding the protest’s location. Khan’s message was clear: the protest must remain at D-Chowk, despite some suggestions to relocate. The party leadership has decided to proceed with the original plan, resisting any attempts by “hidden forces” to divert the protest to another location.
The situation remains tense, with security forces on high alert and no resolution in sight as of now.