The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest for the release of its founder, Imran Khan, entered its second day on Saturday. The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is attempting to enter Islamabad with a large convoy to reach D-Chowk.
The party announced a protest rally at D-Chowk in Islamabad on Friday; however, the government did not allow it and sealed all routes to the protest site. Despite government actions, PTI remains adamant about holding the protest at D-Chowk.
Vowing not to budge from his position even by an inch, CM Gandapur has said that the former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan is the man who has to decide the fate of the protest demonstration.
Only Imran Khan has authority, if someone wants to talk, then he should talk to Imran Khan.”
Ali Amin Gandapur@aliaminkhan
#چلو_چلو_ڈی_چوک_چلو#SaluteTheProtestors pic.twitter.com/RkxTp4ajXc
— PTI UK (@UKPTIOfficial) October 5, 2024
There are various reports about the whereabouts of CM Gandapur’s convoy. As of this morning, the convoy led by Ali Amin Gandapur could not enter Islamabad due to the closure of the toll plaza and was diverted toward Sangjani, from where it will attempt to reach D-Chowk.
عمران خان کا جانسار علی امین گنڈاپور اپنے لشکر کے ساتھ اسلام آباد کی حدود میں داخل
اسلام آباد اور راولپنڈی والوں پہنچو استقبال کے لئے پہنچیں عاطف حلیم #DChoakProtest #Gandapur #Islamabad @ShandanaGulzar @AsadQaiserPTI @salmanAraja @AtifKhanpti @SAYousafzaiPTI @EmanTahirSadik pic.twitter.com/tCERf4jSZU
— Sahafi.Online (@SOnlinepak) October 5, 2024
However, KP CM’s Advisor on Information, Barrister Saif, stated that Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy has left for D-Chowk from his stop at Brahma Interchange. He mentioned that the obstacles placed at the Burhan and Brahma interchanges have been removed.
تازہ ترین اپ ڈیٹس اسلام آباد کے شہراہوں سے ۔۔۔
کارکن ڈٹ گئے ہیں پاکستان کے خاطر عمران خان کے خاطر ۔۔
Do or die#Islambad#انقلاب_آخری_حل#خان_کے_دیوانے_تو_نکلیں_گے #خان_آزاد_کرواکر_رہیں_گے #ImranKhanPTI
???????? #Gandapur #Peshawar
Mohsin Naqvi, Rawalpindi pic.twitter.com/QYQRUzx8BP— Rajab Zia Khattak ???????? (@RajabZia) October 5, 2024
It should be noted that the convoy is equipped with cranes and other heavy machinery to remove the obstacles on the road placed by the federal government to stop the protest.
UPDATE: Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy has successfully crossed the Katti Pahari bridge, overcoming obstacles with heavy machinery, and is now ADVANCING towards the #Islamabad‘s Protest venue. Police shelling of tear gas continues!#خان_کے_دیوانے_تو_نکلیں_گے #HappyBirthdayImranKhan… pic.twitter.com/wHzuYj0mEY
— Syed Jlaluddin Jlal (@syed_jlaludin) October 5, 2024
Speaking to the media at D-Chowk in Islamabad this morning Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi claimed that over 120 Afghan nationals were arrested during the PTI protests in Islamabad. He called the arrests alarming and said that 85 police officers were injured in clashes. Naqvi blamed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for the chaos and emphasized that the government will not allow the protests to disrupt an upcoming summit.
Stop If You Can!!!
Brave tiger of Imran Khan, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur’s convoy has entered the Islamabad limits.
#خان_آزاد_کرواکر_رہیں_گے pic.twitter.com/PpO52JvEG6— Hina Zainab (@hina98_hina) October 5, 2024
Normal life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi has been heavily affected for the second day due to the protests. Major roads are blocked, and mobile and internet services are down, making transportation difficult. Police and army troops are patrolling the areas, and there have been intense clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
After spending the night near the Burhan Interchange, CM Khyber Pakhtunkhwa @AliAminKhanPTI Gandapur’s convoy has resumed its journey to D-Chowk Islamabad.#چلو_چلو_ڈی_چوک_چلو
pic.twitter.com/NNNsadLM81— PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) October 5, 2024
The Pakistan Army has taken control of security in Islamabad, while the interior minister visited injured police officers in the hospital, praising their bravery and assuring them of the best medical care. The situation remains tense as the protests continue, with both sides engaged in ongoing confrontations.
It should be noted that PTI is also protesting in Lahore today, while the provincial government has blocked all key roads to stop the protest.
