The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is ramping up its efforts to secure the release of its founding chairman, Imran Khan, from Adiala Jail today, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported on Sunday.
According to the reports, PTI protesters are expected to converge on Islamabad and Rawalpindi today as the government enforces tight security, blocking major roads to the twin cities and other key areas across the country.
In a bold declaration, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced that the party's protests and sit-ins would continue indefinitely until Khan is freed. He emphasised PTI's unwavering resolve, encouraging supporters to maintain their presence.
Meanwhile, an audio message reportedly from Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan's wife, surfaced, instructing party lawmakers to mobilise massive crowds.
She directed each Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) to lead a convoy of 5,000 people and Members of the National Assembly (MNA) to bring 10,000 participants.
In her message, Bushra Bibi also urged participants to document the protests meticulously, saying, "Take photos and videos inside and outside the vehicles and share them with us."
The situation remains tense as the government refuses to permit protests in Islamabad, prompting fears of clashes between PTI supporters and security forces.
Authorities have sealed off key entry points to Islamabad and Rawalpindi to prevent demonstrators from reaching the area.
Lahore Police on their toes as PTI marchers head towards Batti Chowk
Large contingents of police took their positions in and around Batti Chowk in Lahore on Sunday after the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Lahore’s high command directed the party MNAs, ticket-holders and workers to reach the chowk.
On the other hand, all roads leading to Batti Chowk were also sealed after placing containers.
Okara Toll Plaza also closed
Likewise, vehicles were not allowed to pass through the Toll Plaza near Okara so that the protestors could not continue their journey toward Islamabad.
Sindh-Punjab border sealed
Similarly, measures were also taken on the Sindh-Punjab border to prevent the entry of the PTI caravans from Sindh into Punjab as more containers were placed in Kot Sabzal and Daowala areas, resulting in long queues of vehicles on both sides of the divide.
Heavy contingents of the police were also deployed on various roads in Sadiqabad, the last tehsil of Punjab, to keep the PTI workers from sneaking into Punjab from Sindh.
The coming hours are expected to be critical as PTI flexes its political muscle to press for the immediate release of its leader.
Yesterday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi rang up PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and discussed with him the prevailing situation, apprising him of the Islamabad High Court’s order, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Mohsin Naqvi told Gohar Ali Khan that the government is bound to follow the IHC’s directive. “Permission cannot be granted for holding a rally, protest, gathering or sit-in in the federal capital,” he added.
The minister informed him that a high-level 80-member Belarussian delegation is reaching Islamabad tomorrow and Belarus president will land in Pakistan on November 25 and will stay here until November 27.
The minister highlighted the importance of ensuring a smooth visit for the delegation, citing it as a key reason for the restrictions on political activities.
In response, Gohar Ali Khan said he will get back to the minister after consultations with the party.
It is also worth mentioning that former first lady Bushra Bibi will not take part in the November 24 protest of the PTI due to health reasons. According to Mashaal Yousafzai, special assistant to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, doctors have advised Bushra Bibi, wife of the jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, against travelling. She said that Bushra Bibi has already said what she had to say. She said that Bushra Bibi conveyed Imran Khan’s message to PTI workers. It is pertinent to mention here that multiple cases have been registered in Punjab against Bushra Bibi for allegedly speaking against Saudi Arabia.
Reporters: Shahzad Khan, Farhan Iqbal and Usman Khadim Kamboh