When the military troops arrived in Islamabad and the federal capital was sealed, it was assumed that it would be difficult for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to reach the city. But he managed to reach there for PTI’s “peaceful protest” on Saturday.

His cavalcade broke through obstacles near Hassan Abdal and advanced towards Islamabad during tear gas shelling. Shortly thereafter, the convoy reached the 26 Number Chowk outside Rawalpindi-Islamabad where clashes between PTI workers and police had been ongoing since the night before.

Gandapur was later spotted at China Chowk but then headed to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, where claims of his impending detention surfaced. But official sources denied any reports of his arrest. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and other prominent figures also arrived at there. Sources stated that there was a possibility he might be sent back to Peshawar.

“We have recorded our protest and demonstrated that PTI is a peaceful party. Our powers are limited, and we will proceed according to the directives from Imran Khan,” Gandapur told his supporters before the news of his arrival at the KP House and potential arrest. “If he [Khan] orders us to stage a sit-in, we will do so, and we will discuss our future strategy after consulting the founder of PTI.”

Gandapur reaches KP ‘without his caravan’

Reports said that Gandapur reached the KP House without his caravan where he was expected to meet with government officials. Sources stated that a message had been sent for him to meet the government officials.

But later non-bailable warrants were issued against him in connection with a case involving the recovery of alcohol, prompting a heavy presence of police and Rangers, who stormed the KP House, including a prisoner van.

PTI leader Omar Ayub and the KP CM’s brother Faisal Amin claimed that police were preparing to arrest Gandapur in relation to the weapons recovery case. But official sources denied any reports of his arrest.

Officials stated that rumours regarding Gandapur’s arrest and detention are “baseless.” They clarified that he has neither been arrested nor detained.

“The KP CM has not been formally arrested, a heavy contingent of Rangers and police are present at the KP House. The KP CM is on bail till October 25. If arrested, it will be an insult to the mandate of the people of KP, the fake government will have to answer for such unconstitutional and illegal actions,” KP government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Saif said in a statement on X.

Islamabad sealed

The federal capital administration has suspended mobile networks and internet services in the twin cities while the police have blocked all entry and points to the cities.

In recent weeks, the PTI has organised numerous rallies nationwide to protest the “unlawful” detention of its founder, the delays by the Election Commission of Pakistan in executing the verdict on reserved seats, and to advocate for the “preservation” of the Constitution.

Prior to its rallies in Islamabad and Lahore earlier this month, the government imposed a series of stringent regulations. Imran Khan’s party did not fully adhere to these guidelines, leading to confrontations between its supporters and law enforcement agencies.

Iconic public square

D-Chowk is the entrance of the Red Zone.

Islamabad’s iconic public square location is close to several important government buildings like the Presidency, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Parliament, the Supreme Court, and foreign embassies. Over the years, the spot has made it an ideal venue for political leaders and civil society to raise their voices.

PTI supporters storm D-Chowk

A large number of PTI supporters reached D-Chowk in Islamabad, despite heavy rain in the federal capital rendering tear gas ineffective. The demonstrators, chanting slogans, managed to arrive at the protest venue amidst the downpour, leading police, Elite Force, FC, and Rangers to abandon the area.

Earlier, police fired tear gas at China Chowk, but demonstrators breached the container blockades and even set fires on the road. After overcoming the obstacles, they approached near D-Chowk, but Islamabad police pushed the protesters back, leading PTI workers to head towards China Chowk instead.

Additionally, PTI supporters set fire to trees along Jinnah Avenue close to D-Chowk.

The IGP of Islamabad and the SSP Operations are also reported to be at the KP House.

Reports of tension

Sources stated that security forces were exercising extreme restraint, asserting that reports of gunfire are completely “unfounded and misleading.” They advised avoiding speculation and rumours until verified information was available.

It was suggested that legal action might be taken against Ali Amin Gandapur for allegedly assaulting the state, with accusations of damaging government property and misusing state resources.

According to the KP government spokesperson, Gandapur was on bail until October 25 and any arrest at this point would constitute contempt of court. He warned that if the CM is detained, it would disrespect the mandate given by the people of KP, insisting that the “so-called government must answer for such unconstitutional and illegal actions.”

Gandapur not a big leader than Imran Khan: Akram

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has stated that Ali Amin Gandapur “is not a leader greater than the founder of PTI.”

He added that even if the KP CM was arrested, Azam Swati would lead the protest. He claimed that the “protest will not be postponed under any circumstances.”

Meanwhile, the PTI claimed that the Punjab police have arrested its party leader Zartaj Gul.

Protest at Katti Pahari leads to clashes with police

Police fired tear gas at PTI protesters to disperse them from Katti Pahari in Hassan Abdal.

KP CM Gandapur announced plans to advance as protesters charged at the police barricades, prompting law enforcement to fire thousands of “short and long-range shells.” Heavy machinery that had accompanied the cavalcade moved to the front lines during the clashes.

Gandapur managed to cross the barricade on foot, with demonstrators following closely behind. Meanwhile, the administration had filled in previously dug trenches and overturned containers to block the path. Under KP CM’s leadership, the cavalcade headed towards the Bahatar Interchange, with hundreds of vehicles, including cranes to remove the containers.

It is noteworthy that Gandapur’s convoy was unable to move beyond Hassan Abdal on the first day of protests and spent the night in the Katti Pahari area.

Additionally, Pakistan Army troops have taken over security responsibilities in Islamabad under Article 245, with fresh contingents of police and Frontier Corps also arriving at the D-Chowk.

On the other hand, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited D-Chowk early in the morning to boost the morale of police and FC personnel.

He engaged with duty officers and praised their high spirits, stating, “The morale of the police and FC personnel is very high. They are always alert, ensuring the rule of law. You are fulfilling your national duty with dedication.”

Security sources however told Aaj News that Gandapur is also accused of launching an attack against the state and damaging the state property.

Cases registered against some PTI supporters

A case has been registered at the Sadiqabad Police Station against the PTI activists following their protests near Faizabad. Sources said that the case names 17 supporters of PTI among a total of 250 individuals.

Charges of the Anti-Terrorism Act and obstruction of government duties have been filed in the case.

Protesters allegedly set fire to a crane and a motorcycle at the 26 Number Chowki, prompting police to disperse the crowd through tear gas. Reports added that PTI activists gathered in groups in the Blue Area.

‘We have made no decision to turn back’

Adviser to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Ali Saif stated that Gandapur spent the night near the Burhan Interchange, where he and participants continued to remove containers throughout the night.

He further mentioned that the cavalcade had set off towards Islamabad, with the next stop planned at D-Chowk. Due to the suspension of mobile networks, communications have faced challenges, and “alternative means were utilised for connectivity.”

Saif stated that their convoy would reach its destination, saying: “We have made no decision to turn back; we are out for our constitutional and legal rights.”

On Friday, the PTI cavalcade led by Gandapur reached Brahma after removing containers in Chhachh and Burhan. It was stuck at Brahma due to tear gas but managed to advance shortly after.

At around 7:45pm, heavy shelling commenced on the convoy at Katti Pahari in Hassan Abdal. The clashes between police and protesters resulted in injuries to multiple individuals, including police personnel, while the area was plunged into darkness during the shelling.

In Rawalpindi, police arrested 10 PTI supporters while protesters on the Murree Road were dispersed.

SSP Operations Kamran Asghar claimed that the situation in Rawalpindi remained under control, emphasising that the law would not permit anyone to take matters into their own hands.

When the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s convoy reached Brahma, protesters allegedly set fire to green areas to mitigate the effects of shelling.

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Naqvi’s warning

Prior to such events, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reiterated that the PTI would not be allowed to continue its “current actions.”

“If someone plans to storm Islamabad, we wouldn’t let that happen,” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told a news conference late on Thursday.

He urged Khan’s party to shift the rally to later dates, to avoid disrupting Islamabad’s preparations to host a meeting of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) on October 15 and October 16.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is visiting, to be followed by a high-profile Saudi delegation and Chinese Premier Li Qiang ahead of the conference, Naqvi said, adding, “We can’t allow any chaos.”

Any agitation in the capital would not send a good signal to the world ahead of the conference, Naqvi said.

Khan disregards appeal

Disregarding the appeal, Khan asked his supporters to gather outside Parliament regardless of obstacles.

“I want you all to reach D-Chowk today for a peaceful protest rally,” he posted on X on Friday, referring to a spot outside parliament. “This war has entered a decisive phase.”