PTBP Web Desk
In a major security operation on Tuesday night, police and Rangers launched a crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters at Blue Area and D-Chowk.
The protests, led by Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, ended with the area being cleared and approximately 800 arrests.
Late-Night Crackdown Details
The operation, initiated under strict directives, involved units from the Islamabad Police, Punjab Police, and Rangers. Protesters were dispersed from Blue Area and D-Chowk after law enforcement removed vehicles and cleared the streets between Khayaban-e-Suharwardy and Aabpara. Shops and parked cars in the vicinity were also secured to ensure public safety.
While the protesters were arrested, PTI leadership, including Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur, managed to evade capture. Both leaders reportedly fled the protest site, and their current whereabouts remain unknown. Sources speculate that they might have headed towards Khyber Pakhtunkhwa via Pir Sohawa.
Arrest Strategy for PTI Leaders
Police sources disclosed that special teams have been deployed to apprehend top PTI leaders, including Bushra Bibi and Gandapur. Dedicated units have been tasked with locating and arresting them as part of an ongoing effort to bring key figures to justice amid the escalating political unrest. A comprehensive strategy is already in place to target PTI’s leadership hierarchy.
This multi-pronged approach aims to address the larger security challenges posed by the ongoing protests while restoring order in the federal capital.
Arrests and Security Measures
As part of the operation, authorities reported the arrest of around 800 individuals involved in the protests. These arrests are seen as a critical step in curbing the demonstrations and preventing further escalation. Law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to maintain peace, focusing on preventing the reorganization of protest groups in Islamabad.
Vehicles and barricades placed by protesters were removed to restore traffic flow, while businesses in Blue Area, which had been disrupted, resumed operations after the clearance.
Leadership Remains Out of Sight
Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur’s absence from the protest site during the crackdown raised questions about PTI’s leadership strategy. Their departure highlights the challenges authorities face in locating and apprehending prominent figures.
Sources within the police suggest that the leaders’ evasion is part of a broader effort to escape imminent arrest. However, law enforcement officials are confident that the measures being implemented will result in their capture soon.
Broader Implications
The ongoing standoff between law enforcement and PTI supporters underscores the deepening political crisis in the country. The crackdown reflects the government’s determination to suppress dissent and restore normalcy in Islamabad. At the same time, the resistance from PTI’s ranks highlights the party’s resolve to continue its protests despite mounting arrests and intensified pressure.
Political analysts note that the situation’s outcome could significantly impact Pakistan’s political landscape. The arrests of top PTI leaders would likely weaken the party’s mobilization efforts, while continued protests might prolong the unrest, posing further challenges for the authorities.
