Islamabad is under a virtual lockdown as thousands of Imran Khan’s supporters march towards the capital, demanding his release. Authorities have fortified key routes with shipping containers, sealed highways, and deployed heavily armed police and paramilitary units. Mobile and internet services remain suspended in sensitive areas.
Convoys led by PTI leaders, including Ali Amin Gandapur, clashed with law enforcement in Punjab as tear gas was deployed near Attock. Meanwhile, PTI founder Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, called for unwavering commitment to their cause, urging protesters to push toward Islamabad.
The PTI rally aims to gather at D-Chowk in Islamabad’s highly secured Red Zone, home to critical government and diplomatic facilities. The government, citing security risks, has banned public gatherings and warned against disruptions. A terrorism alert and preemptive arrests of PTI leaders further heightened tensions.
Public life has been paralyzed, with major highways, transit services, and schools affected. Hospitals are on high alert, while citizens face gridlocked secondary routes amid fears of escalating unrest.
