Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced the conclusion of its protest in the federal capital late Sunday, citing government-led crackdowns and instructions from its founder Imran Khan to decide its future course of action.
The party’s spokesperson decried what they termed as “brutality” against peaceful demonstrators, claiming that at least eight workers were killed and scores injured during clashes with law enforcement.
"The government’s violent response to a peaceful protest is condemnable," the spokesperson stated.
Police report hundreds of arrests
Islamabad police have arrested over 400 individuals for alleged involvement in vandalism, stone-pelting, and attacks on public property during the protests. Across Punjab, the total number of arrests reportedly exceeds 800, according to a police spokesperson.
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The crackdown also resulted in the recovery of weapons, ammunition, wireless communication devices, and other equipment from the detained individuals. Police claim the suspects were involved in violent activities aimed at disrupting public order.
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The situation in the capital intensified as security forces, including Rangers and army personnel, were deployed to key areas. The Attock Bridge, linking Punjab with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was sealed off with containers, further restricting movement.
Meanwhile, the police conducted a large-scale search operation in the Margalla and surrounding hilly areas, arresting 150 miscreants attempting to flee the hills. The authorities recovered petrol bombs, shotguns, communication devices, tear gas shells, and masks from the suspects. The total number of arrests in Rawalpindi has now exceeded 550 since last night.
Mohsin Naqvi’s warning to protesters
Speaking at D-Chowk late Sunday night, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi vowed strict action against those responsible for damaging public and private property. He confirmed the restoration of mobile services and reopening of roads and schools as the situation de-escalated.
“Protesters attacked media houses and caused massive disruptions for citizens,” Naqvi said, adding that CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify culprits. He also alleged that PTI leaders, including Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, evaded law enforcement and accused them of orchestrating the unrest.
In a statement, the PTI spokesperson accused the government of targeting peaceful protesters. “We honor the sacrifices of our workers and condemn the brutality inflicted upon them,” they said.
Bushra Bibi’s whereabouts spark controversy
Meanwhile, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, the sister of PTI chief Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, expressed fears over her sister's safety. In a social media post, she alleged that Bushra Bibi might have been kidnapped, claiming all communication with her had been severed.
Some reports suggested that Bushra Bibi had been arrested, while others indicated she had crossed into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. "No committee has the right to cancel the sit-in except Khan Sahib," Maryam Wattoo wrote on social media.
Govt's allegations against PTI
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar alleged that PTI protesters had planned to storm Parliament. "This was not a peaceful protest but an attempt to sabotage national security," he said, adding that the party aimed to disrupt the Belarusian President's visit.
The minister further criticized the party's leadership, stating, “Their political mismanagement and poor intentions have led them to this point. It’s time they focused on governance rather than theatrics.”
