The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf convoy led by former prime minister Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reached the 26 Number Chowrangi on Monday. PTI started marching from different areas to Islamabad on Sunday for Khan’s release and “restoration” of democracy.

Among the participants are PTI leaders, including Omar Ayub, Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, Shahram Tarakai, Mishal Yousafzai, and Sanam Javed.

Upon the convoy’s arrival, local PTI workers in Islamabad faced police action as they began shelling.

As tensions escalated, clashes erupted between PTI workers and police, with protests marked by slogans from the activists and retaliatory shelling from law enforcement. In response, protesters set fire to nearby bushes.

“Our destination is D-Chowk, and we will reach there no matter what. We will not go anywhere else,” Bibi said while addressing the workers briefly at 26 Number Chowrangi.

She urged the supporters to get into their vehicles and accelerate their journey, emphasising that their goal was D-Chowk.

Earlier the convoy crossed Hakla—a border area of Punjab and KP—by evening. By afternoon it reached Dhoke Ghar near Burhan.

Authorities have enforced a security lockdown for the last two days to block the protesters, whom Khan has called on to march on parliament for a sit-in demonstration, while highways into the city have been barricaded.

The government has used shipping containers to block major roads and streets in Islamabad, most of them patrolled by large contingents of police and paramilitary personnel in riot gear.

Officials and witnesses said all public transport between cities and terminals has also been shut down in the eastern province of Punjab to keep away the protesters, led by members of PTI.

A report claimed that PTI’s Islamabad Student Federation President Waqas snatched a helmet and baton from a police officer, later donning the officer’s uniform and releasing a video. He and another ISF official, Musaddiq Shah, reportedly assaulted the police officer during the altercation.

Roads blocked, but PTI supporters march

In response to the protest, the government has set up containers to block the road at Brahamah, prompting activists to arrive ahead of the main convoy to remove the obstacles. Police reportedly used shelling at the Brahamah Jhang Interchange to deter protesters.

PTI workers faced “intense shelling” from the police, leading many to cover their faces with party flags to protect themselves. Numerous activists, wearing protective masks, marched on foot towards Islamabad. They allegedly threw stones at law enforcement officers from an elevated position on the hill.

The PTI had announced before the protest rally that there would be a “frontline squad” of several thousand workers aimed at neutralising police shelling. But such a squad has not been observed at the scene.

PTI officials stated that convoys from various districts of KP, Balochistan, and southern Punjab are nearing Islamabad and are expected to enter the federal capital today (Monday).

LEAs on ‘alert’

Meanwhile, police have reportedly amassed a significant stockpile of stones at 26 Number Chowrangi, where a heavy presence of Rangers and police personnel is on “alert”. A large contingent of police is also stationed at the Faizabad Bridge, with officers reportedly equipped with slingshots in addition to their firearms.

Sources told Aaj News that police intend to use tear gas, rubber bullets, and anti-riot equipment against the demonstrators. Police teams have reportedly prepared bags filled with stones to use as ammunition. The Punjab police have arrived at the 26 Number Chowrangi and prisoner vans have also been deployed to the area.

PTI’s central convoy begins day 2 of march

The KP CM-led convoy departed from Swabi and was en route to Islamabad for the PTI protest. It was anticipated that the convoy would enter Islamabad by 12pm, but its progress lowed following the inclusion of workers from Hazara.

The convoy set out from Haro Bridge on Monday morning, having crossed the Ghazi Brotha after several hours of resistance. PTI workers also removed containers placed near the Hazara Interchange.

After departing from Haro Bridge, the PTI convoy reached near Burhan. According to PTI leaders, the convoy is being led by Gandapur, with Bibi’s vehicle following closely behind.

Tight security around Islamabad

In response to the anticipated protest, 6,000 police personnel have been deployed at various entry points to prevent protesters from entering the capital.

Police have established a significant presence at Chungi 26, where they have stockpiled stones and prepared tear gas and rubber bullets for potential crowd control. Rangers are also on alert at this location.

The PTI convoy, having set out from Peshawar on Sunday afternoon, was reported to be at Haropul on the motorway by 8 AM. Irhan Saleem, a district president of PTI, mentioned that the convoy faced significant obstacles along the route but expressed optimism about entering Islamabad by noon if conditions allow.

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As the protest unfolds, police have arrested over 139 PTI workers in Islamabad, with additional arrests reported across Rawalpindi.

The authorities have implemented Section 144, prohibiting gatherings, and have closed key access roads, including the Srinagar Highway and the Expressway at Khanna Bridge.

In a crackdown on PTI activists, police have detained dozens of individuals, including key party members. Reports indicate that around 490 PTI workers have been arrested in various cities across Punjab, with many others currently unaccounted for. In light of the protests, the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus service has been suspended, and internet and mobile services have also been disrupted. The Ministry of Interior has indicated that connectivity will be restricted in areas deemed to have security concerns.

She reiterated that the upcoming demonstration in Islamabad is a crucial test of loyalty to the party, with the primary goal being the release of Imran Khan.

Bushra Bibi has emphasized the importance of effective activism and loyalty among party leaders, warning that long-term affiliation with PTI will not guarantee electoral success if expectations are not met during the protests.