PTI protestors arrive at D-Chowk in Islamabad during tense clashes.
Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, leads the PTI protestors as the Army is deployed with ‘shoot at sight’ orders.
The PTI convoy, led by Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, is nearing Islamabad’s Zero Point, now secured by the Pakistan Army.
The Ministry of Interior announced the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution due to rising security concerns in Islamabad.
The action follows escalating tensions after protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, resulting in violent clashes with security forces, according to Express News.
Police and PTI protestors are still clashing in Islamabad, as protesters arrive at Zero Point.
Rangers are at important government buildings, and military troops are positioned at D-Chowk.
Tear gas shelling has affected Aabpara Chowk, leading businesses in Aabpara Market to close. Due to the rising situation, 1,000 police officers have been deployed from Rawalpindi to Islamabad.
Authorities have given strict orders to security personnel to take strong action against agitators and miscreants, including the potential use of lethal force against rioters, as reported by Radio Pakistan.
The interior ministry’s notification allows the Pakistan Army to impose curfews in areas needed to maintain law and order.
Rangers personnel killed
Earlier this morning, a protest on Srinagar Highway in Islamabad turned violent when miscreants drove a vehicle into Rangers personnel, leading to the deaths of four Rangers officials and two policemen, according to Radio Pakistan.
A group of armed individuals threw stones and fired at security forces at Chungi No 26 in Rawalpindi, injuring a Ranger who was later taken to CMH Rawalpindi in critical condition.
Security sources confirmed that measures are in place to counter terrorist activities and ensure public safety.
Naqvi issues curfew warning
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi cautioned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) about strict actions to stop their march on D-Chowk in the capital.
During a media briefing at D-Chowk and the funeral of martyred police Constable Mubashar Bilal in Rawalpindi, the minister announced that the government had proposed an alternative location for the PTI’s sit-in at Sangjani, instead of the sensitive Red Zone in the capital.
Naqvi stated that the PTI aimed to use “bodies to further their disruptive agenda,” but the authorities would not allow it. He cautioned that if police fired back at the protesters, they wouldn’t even reach Pathargarh, but the law enforcement showed restraint.
“No one has been allowed to protest in D-Chowk. We proposed Sangjani instead and requested them to submit an application and sit there,” Naqvi stated during his visit to D-Chowk. “They received approval from Imran Khan, but we still await a final response from PTI,” he stated.
“The Belarus president is in Pakistan, so do not cross the Red Line. Otherwise, we may have to take extreme measures. Including invoking Article 245, imposing a curfew, or other actions,” the minister stated.
Naqvi stated, “They must decide whether to go to Sangjani.” “They come to D-chowk, and we let them go… this can’t happen anymore,” he stated. “We have been lenient when needed, but once the red line is crossed, the government will take serious action.”
The protestors sought a body to energise their movement, but the government prevented that from happening. “Had we fired back, they wouldn’t have crossed Pathargarh,” he stated, noting the police’s restraint.
“A bullet may have been fired in response to another, but the police used rubber bullets and tear gas on the protesters to prevent harm,” Naqvi stated. “Those who harmed our officers will face strict consequences,” he added.
Discussions in progress
Barrister Gohar Khan and Saif met with PTI founder Imran Khan for 90 minutes in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.
After the meeting, Barrister Gohar stated that the discussion was important, confirming that Imran Khan’s protest call is final and that rumours of its cancellation are false.
Barrister Gohar told journalists after the meeting that the PTI founder’s position on the protest remains the same, and the movement will continue as scheduled. The meeting addressed strategies for the current political situation and the party’s future plans.
Barrister Gohar told reporters that updates on the protest negotiations will be shared soon. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing but did not provide more details at this time.
Last chance
PTI has issued its final call for protest to address four demands: release of all political prisoners, including Imran Khan, reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, restoration of democracy and the Constitution, and return of the allegedly “stolen mandate”.
Demands arose on November 13 after Imran called on people through a post on X, previously Twitter, to come to Islamabad and stay until they were fulfilled. PTI announced that its rallies would turn into a sit-in in the capital, concluding only when demands are fulfilled.
The PML-N government, supported by a recent Islamabad High Court order, has declared that protestors will not be permitted to enter the capital, and no leniency will be granted this time.
The government has decided to block all main routes to Islamabad with containers due to the potential for conflict between authorities and protesters, coinciding with the visit of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.
The blockade has halted the twin cities and other areas in Punjab. The unexpected decision to start repair work on various motorways has taken many by surprise. The government also shut down the internet in multiple areas.
Suspension of internet services
The interior ministry announced yesterday that WiFi and mobile internet services would be suspended in areas with “security concerns,” while remaining operational elsewhere in the country. Netblocks reported that WhatsApp backends were restricted in Pakistan.
The decision aimed to restrict communication before the upcoming protests. Both sides stood firm, unwilling to relent until they reached their goals.
Before the march started, the federal and Punjab governments enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which allows district administrations to temporarily ban public gatherings, and denied PTI permission for the protest.
PTI marched with Gandapur at the forefront from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, accompanied by provincial leaders, workers, supporters, and Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi. The caravans have entered Punjab, but they probably won’t reach Islamabad by Sunday night.
In a short speech to workers in Swabi, Gandapur encouraged them to keep pushing until Imran Khan is released, urging protesters to use their full strength to reach the federal capital.
No going back without Imran Khan.
The PTI protestors faced police shelling at Attock Bridge, Chach interchange, and Ghazi Barotha canal as they approached the Punjab boundary. Gandapur later ordered the convoy to pause at Ghazi Maqam, telling the workers to prepare for the “battle ahead.”
Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, urged workers to proceed swiftly in their vehicles during the march, emphasising the need to move quickly and not return without bringing Imran Khan back.
The K-P had the largest participant mobilisation, but rallies also started from different areas of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. Opposition supporters in Punjab marched from cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Mianwali, Kasur, Okara, and Vehari.
Many PTI protestors bypassed barricades and restrictions, despite a strong presence of police and Rangers, in their effort to reach the capital. PTI protestors and LEA officials clashed in various areas of Punjab throughout the day.
Multiple leaders have been arrested.
A media report indicated that multiple PTI leaders, including chief whip Amir Dogar and Zain Qureshi, were arrested in Multan. Punjab police spokesperson reports indicate that approximately 600 individuals were arrested for breaching Section 144 in Punjab.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi pledged on Sunday to limit protestors outside Islamabad. Naqvi reviewed security arrangements in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock from an aerial view. He was pleased with the arrangements.
Naqvi said that steps were taken to maintain peace and public order as per the IHC’s order. He stated that the police, along with the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) and Rangers, were effectively carrying out their responsibilities.
The government has implemented measures to safeguard citizens’ lives and property, and the interior minister emphasised that strict action will be taken against “miscreants” as per the law.
Bushra Bibi leads the PTI convoy as the Army is deployed with ‘shoot at sight’ orders.
The PTI convoy, led by Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, is nearing Islamabad’s Zero Point, now secured by the Pakistan Army.
The Ministry of Interior announced today the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution due to rising security concerns in Islamabad.
The decision follows escalating tensions after protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, resulting in violent clashes with security forces, according to Express News.
Protests in Islamabad persist as clashes occur between police and PTI workers at Zero Point.
Rangers are at key government buildings, and military troops are positioned at D-Chowk.
Tear gas shelling has impacted Aabpara Chowk, leading businesses in Aabpara Market to close. Due to the rising situation, 1,000 police officers have been deployed from Rawalpindi to Islamabad.
Authorities have given strict orders to security personnel to take strong action against agitators and miscreants, including the potential use of lethal force against rioters, as reported by Radio Pakistan.
The interior ministry’s notice allows the Pakistan Army to impose curfews in areas needed to maintain law and order.
Rangers personnel killed
Earlier this morning, a protest on Srinagar Highway in Islamabad turned violent when miscreants drove a vehicle into Rangers personnel. Leading to the deaths of four Rangers officials and two policemen, according to Radio Pakistan.
A group of armed individuals threw stones and fired at security forces at Chungi No 26 in Rawalpindi, injuring a Ranger who was later taken to CMH Rawalpindi in critical condition.
Security sources confirmed that measures are in place to counter terrorist activities and ensure public safety.
Naqvi issues curfew warning
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi cautioned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) about strict actions to stop their march on D-Chowk in the capital.
During a media briefing at D-Chowk and the funeral of martyred police Constable Mubashar Bilal in Rawalpindi. The minister announced that the government proposed an alternative location for the PTI’s sit-in at Sangjani, instead of the capital’s sensitive Red Zone.
Naqvi stated that the PTI aimed for “bodies to push their disruptive agenda,” but the authorities would not allow it. He cautioned that if the police fired back at the protesters, they wouldn’t even reach Pathargarh, but the law enforcement showed restraint.
“No one has been allowed to protest in D-Chowk. We proposed Sangjani instead. We requested them to submit an application and sit there,” Naqvi stated during his visit to D-Chowk. “They received approval from Imran Khan, but we still await a final response from PTI,” he stated.
The Belarus president is in Pakistan. Do not cross the Red Line. If you do, we may take extreme measures, including invoking Article 245, imposing a curfew, or other actions.
Naqvi stated, “They must decide whether to go to Sangjani.” “They come to D-chowk, and we let them go… this can’t happen anymore,” he stated. “We have been lenient when needed, but once the red line is crossed, the government will act decisively.”
The protestors sought a body to energise their movement, but the government prevented that from happening. “Had we returned fire, they wouldn’t have crossed Pathargarh,” he stated, noting the police’s restraint.
“A bullet may have been fired in response to another, but the police used rubber bullets and tear gas on the protesters to prevent harm,” Naqvi stated. “Those who harmed our officers will face strict consequences,” he added.
Discussions in progress
Barrister Gohar Khan and Saif met with PTI founder Imran Khan for 90 minutes in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.
After the meeting, Barrister Gohar stated that the discussion was important. Confirming that Imran Khan’s call for a protest is final and that rumours of its cancellation are false.
Barrister Gohar told journalists after the meeting that the PTI founder’s position on the protest remains the same. The movement will continue as planned. The meeting addressed strategies for the current political situation and the party’s future plans.
Barrister Gohar told reporters that updates on the protest negotiations will be shared soon. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing but did not provide more details at this time.
Last chance
The PTI has issued its final call for protest to address four demands: release of all political prisoners, including Imran Khan. Reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, restoration of democracy and the Constitution, and return of the allegedly “stolen mandate”.
Demands emerged on November 13 after Imran called on people through a post on X. To come to Islamabad and stay until they were fulfilled. PTI announced that its rallies would turn into a sit-in in the federal capital, concluding only when demands are met.
The PML-N government, supported by a recent Islamabad High Court order. Declared that protestors will not be allowed into the capital and no leniency will be granted this time.
The government has placed containers to block main routes to Islamabad due to potential clashes between authorities and protesters, coinciding with the visit of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.
The blockade has halted the twin cities and other areas in Punjab. The unexpected start of repair work on various motorways was surprising. The government also shut down the internet in some areas.
Suspension of internet services
The interior ministry announced yesterday that WiFi and mobile internet services would be suspended in areas with “security concerns,” while remaining operational elsewhere in the country. Netblocks reported that WhatsApp backends were restricted in Pakistan.
The decision aimed to hinder communication before the scheduled protests. Both sides stayed firm, not backing down until they reached their goals.
Before the march, the federal and Punjab governments enforced Section 144 of the CrPC. which allows district administrations to temporarily ban public gatherings. Denied PTI permission for the protest.
PTI protestors marched with Gandapur at the forefront from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, accompanied by provincial leaders, workers, supporters, and Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi. The caravans have entered Punjab but probably won’t reach Islamabad by Sunday night.
In a short speech to workers in Swabi, Gandapur encouraged them to keep pushing until Imran Khan is released. He urges protesters to use their full strength to reach the federal capital.
“No going back without Imran Khan.”
When the PTI protestors arrived at the Punjab border. Police began shelling at Attock Bridge, Chach interchange, and Ghazi Barotha canal. Gandapur later ordered the convoy to pause at Ghazi Maqam, telling the workers to prepare for the “battle ahead.”
Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, urged workers to advance quickly in their vehicles rather than walking in the march. Emphasizing the need to move fast and not return without bringing Imran Khan back.
The K-P had the biggest turnout, but rallies also started from different areas in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. Opposition supporters in Punjab marched from cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Mianwali, Kasur, Okara, and Vehari.
Many PTI protestors bypassed barricades and evaded restrictions despite significant police and Rangers’ presence, trying to reach the capital. PTI protestors and LEA officials clashed in various areas of Punjab throughout the day.
Multiple leaders have been arrested.
A media report indicated that multiple PTI leaders, including chief whip Amir Dogar and Zain Qureshi, were arrested in Multan. Punjab police reports indicate that approximately 600 individuals were arrested for breaching Section 144.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi pledged on Sunday to limit protestors outside Islamabad. Naqvi reviewed security arrangements in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock from an aerial perspective. He was pleased with the arrangements.
Naqvi confirmed that steps were taken to maintain peace and public order as per the IHC’s directive. He stated that the police and paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) and Rangers were effectively carrying out their responsibilities.
The interior minister emphasised that the government has implemented all measures to safeguard citizens’ lives and property. And strict action will be taken against “miscreants” as per the law.
For more Visit Pakistan Updates
