PTI Protest Ends Amid Crackdown; Controversy Surrounds Leadership’s Actions and Safety
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) officially announced the end of its protest in the federal capital late Sunday, following government-led crackdowns and directives from party founder Imran Khan regarding the future course of action. The party spokesperson condemned the government’s violent response, describing the actions as “brutality” against peaceful demonstrators. The spokesperson also claimed that at least eight PTI workers were killed and numerous others injured during clashes with law enforcement.
Allegations of Brutality and Arrests
In the aftermath of the protests, Islamabad police confirmed the arrest of over 400 individuals for their involvement in vandalism, stone-pelting, and attacks on public property. Across Punjab, over 800 arrests have been made, with the police also recovering weapons, ammunition, wireless devices, and other equipment from detainees. Authorities claim that these individuals were part of a larger group engaging in violent activities intended to disrupt public order.
Read More: Mohsin Naqvi Commends Law Enforcement for Successfully Preventing PTI’s D-Chowk Protest
Government’s Response and Mohsin Naqvi’s Statement
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media at D-Chowk, pledging strict action against those responsible for damaging public and private property. He confirmed that mobile services and roads were restored, and schools reopened as the situation de-escalated. Naqvi accused PTI leaders, including Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, of evading law enforcement and allegedly orchestrating the unrest.
The minister also condemned the attacks on media houses and disruption of daily life caused by the protesters, asserting that CCTV footage was being reviewed to identify those involved.
Bushra Bibi’s Whereabouts and Allegations of Kidnapping
Meanwhile, controversy surrounding the whereabouts of Bushra Bibi, the wife of Imran Khan, escalated. Maryam Riaz Wattoo, the sister of Bushra Bibi, expressed concern for her sister’s safety in a social media post, claiming that all communication with her had been severed. Wattoo alleged that Bushra Bibi may have been kidnapped. Some reports suggested that Bushra Bibi was arrested, while others claimed she had crossed into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In response to the end of the protest, Wattoo emphasized that no committee had the authority to cancel the sit-in without the approval of Imran Khan.
Government’s Accusations Against PTI
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused PTI of planning to storm Parliament and sabotage national security. He described the protest as an attempt to disrupt the visit of the Belarusian President and condemned the PTI leadership for political mismanagement.
Tarar further criticized PTI for its intentions, urging the party to shift its focus from political theatrics to effective governance.
