Islamabad faced heightened tensions on Tuesday as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest march - led by key party figures - moved toward the highly sensitive Red Zone.

Amid escalating clashes between protesters and law enforcement, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured the nation that all measures were being taken to protect the area and maintain order.

Addressing a presser, Minister Naqvi stressed that the government had empowered the police with full authority to counter the unrest.

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“Our first priority is the protection of the Red Zone,” he stated, underscoring the area's significance, particularly as the President of Belarus is currently present within its confines.

Police given full powers

Naqvi detailed the volatile situation, describing the protesters as heavily armed with stones, batons, and tear gas canisters. “Video evidence clearly shows that PTI protesters are firing weapons openly and targeting police personnel,” he said, adding that despite provocations, the authorities were striving to avoid loss of life.

— فوٹو: اے ایف پی

To bolster security, the Islamabad Inspector General (IG) was granted wide-ranging powers to manage the situation. The interior minister further criticized the violent tactics employed by the protesters, accusing them of trying to tarnish Pakistan’s image.

Army deployed

As violence intensified, the government invoked Article 245 of the Constitution, calling in the Pakistan Army to secure critical government buildings, including the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, and the Election Commission.

— فوٹو: اے ایف پی

The army has also taken over security along Constitution Highway, with the Frontier Corps (FC) and Rangers providing additional support.

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Orders have been issued to deal with miscreants "with an iron hand," with directives to use force, including shooting on sight, against anarchists targeting law enforcement agencies.

Security officials confirmed that these measures aim to counter any potential terrorist threats or acts of sabotage amidst the protest chaos.

PTI convoy reaches Zero Point

The PTI protest march, comprising vehicles and an “Azadi container,” reached Zero Point Islamabad early Tuesday morning. Led by key party leaders Ali Amin Gandapur, Omar Ayub, and Bushra Bibi, the march clashed with police at multiple locations.

Protesters armed with stones and tear gas canisters fiercely resisted law enforcement attempts to block their route toward Faisal Avenue.

Tear gas was fired from both sides, with demonstrators reportedly using three times the number of shells compared to the police.

— فوٹو: اے ایف پی

Despite the heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces, the PTI convoy managed to advance toward Blue Area, aiming for the Red Zone and 'D Chowk.'

Bushra Bibi calls for peaceful protest

Before the march’s entry into the Red Zone, Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, addressed supporters, urging them to remain peaceful. "Our first priority is to reach 'D Chowk.' Once there, we will reveal Khan's next course of action," she said.

Meanwhile, Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, highlighted the government’s contradictory actions, criticizing the filing of FIRs against PTI leadership while extending offers for dialogue. “Imran Khan has endured years of jail and baseless cases. Now, as he emerges victorious, the government continues to use coercive measures,” she added.

In addition to the army's deployment, all entrances to ‘D Chowk’ have been sealed off, and the Red Zone has been placed under the control of combined security forces, including police from other provinces. Protesters are determined to reach Jinnah Avenue from Faisal Avenue, while law enforcement braces for further confrontation.