PTI Leader Sher Afzal Marwat Says He and Ali Amin Gandapur Opposed Protest at D-Chowk; Claims 12 Workers Martyred

Islamabad:Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat has revealed that both he and Ali Amin Gandapur were not in favor of the PTI workers marching to D-Chowk for protests. He stated that Ali Amin had advised the workers to stop at Kalsoom Hospital, but the workers insisted on going further towards D-Chowk.

In an emotional statement, Marwat claimed that PTI workers had been marching peacefully, but 12 of their supporters were martyred during the operation. “We were there to protest peacefully, and 12 of our workers were martyred. What can we do against bullets?” Marwat said, expressing his frustration and sadness over the losses.

**PTI Announces Cancellation of Protest Amid Growing Tensions**

Meanwhile, late last night, PTI announced that it would end its protest in Islamabad. The party spokesperson stated that the peaceful protest had been temporarily called off under a government plan, and that the party would decide on its future course of action under the guidance of PTI Chairman, Imran Khan.

The spokesperson confirmed that PTI’s leadership, following Imran Khan’s directives, would announce their future strategy after reviewing the developments.

**Police Crackdown on Protesters: 400 Arrested in Islamabad, Thousands Detained Nationwide**

In the wake of growing violence, Islamabad police carried out a major crackdown against what they termed “rioters and miscreants” involved in the protests. According to police sources, over 400 individuals were arrested during a grand operation launched in areas around Rawalpindi, particularly near the 26 No. Chowki.

The police spokesperson also reported that in Punjab province, nearly 800 individuals had been arrested as part of similar operations. The police recovered a significant amount of arms, including guns, wireless communication devices, and slingshots, during the arrests.

The arrested individuals were accused of involvement in violent actions, including attacking police, vandalizing property, and setting vehicles on fire. According to the police, these individuals were among the protesters who had escalated the situation in the capital.

**PTI’s Call for Peaceful Protest Amid Growing Clashes**

While the crackdown continues, PTI has expressed its condemnation of the violent actions against its workers. The leadership continues to call for peaceful protest and adherence to democratic principles, despite the mounting tensions.

As of now, Islamabad remains heavily patrolled by police and security forces, and the situation is being closely monitored as PTI decides on its next steps. The government’s firm stance against protests in the Red Zone and PTI’s determination to continue their movement have set the stage for a tense standoff in the capital.