On the call of its Founding Chairman, Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans to hold a significant protest at D-Chowk, Islamabad, today, November 24, aiming to secure the release of the former prime minister and advocate for other party demands.
Islamabad on Lockdown
The federal capital is under strict lockdown, with major highways and entry points sealed to prevent protesters from gathering at the designated site. Convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, are expected to meet in Swabi at 11 a.m. before heading toward Islamabad.
Read more: ‘PTI Will Break Through Any Barriers to Reach D-Chowk’: PTI Secretary Information
Commitment to the Protest
Despite the blockades and restrictions, PTI leaders remain firm in their resolve. Chief Minister Gandapur stated, “No matter how many containers are placed, we will reach Islamabad and stage a sit-in until our demands are met,” even suggesting the use of private machinery to remove barriers. Senior PTI leader Shandana Gulzar echoed this determination, saying, “We will not retreat, even if it takes 100 hours. Where roads are blocked, we will begin our sit-in.”
Notably absent from the protest is Bushra Bibi, wife of Imran Khan, who will monitor the convoys from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s House.
Government Stance and Security Measures
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized the government’s intent to enforce Islamabad High Court orders prohibiting protests in the capital. “Those who break the law will not be spared,” he stated, underscoring the priority of maintaining order during the visit of an 80-member delegation from Belarus. Discussions between PTI leader Barrister Gauhar and Naqvi included a request to consider postponing the protest.
Security in Islamabad has been intensified following terror alerts issued by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department. Reports indicate militants may target the protest, prompting the deployment of over 30,000 police personnel, including Frontier Corps and forces from other provinces. Major routes, such as Lahore-Islamabad and Peshawar-Islamabad motorways, have been closed, and extensive combing operations are underway to detain PTI workers.
Arrests and Public Impact
Over 300 PTI activists have been arrested in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with further detentions ongoing. Blocked roads have caused significant disruption for commuters, and metro bus services have been suspended in the affected areas.
Flight Operations Unaffected
Amid rumours of disruptions, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) clarified that all flight operations, including those at Islamabad International Airport, remain unaffected. “Passengers will not face any delays or restrictions,” the CAA assured, dismissing reports of international travellers being detained at Islamabad Airport. It urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading misinformation.
As PTI convoys from cities such as Lahore and Peshawar head toward the capital, security remains on high alert, with the federal government determined to prevent any violations of the law.
