The main convoy of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from Peshawar, led by Bushra Bibi, wife of Imran Khan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, reached the Hazro Interchange on Sunday night, en route to Islamabad for a protest.
Bushra Bibi addressed the convoy from the container, saying, ‘We will not return until we bring Imran Khan with us.’
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) November 24, 2024
The convoy traveled through Hasan Abdal via Attock, but as it entered Punjab, police fired tear gas at several locations, including the Attock Bridge, Chhich Interchange, and Ghazi Barotha Canal. Similarly, PTI participants from Haripur, led by Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, faced tear gas at the Attock Bridge. Protesters responded by setting fire to nearby greenery and a parked vehicle on the Ghazi Bridge. The police also fired tear gas when the convoy reached the Taxila checkpoint but retreated as PTI workers advanced.
Read more: Interior Minister Vows Firm Action Against Lawbreakers Ahead of PTI Protest
The PTI convoy from Taxila, led by Taimur Masood, joined Omar Ayub’s group at the checkpoint. Addressing party workers, Gandapur and Bushra Bibi emphasized their commitment to continuing the protest until Imran Khan is released.
Earlier on Sunday, the district administration sealed major routes to Islamabad using containers. Key roads such as the Srinagar Highway at Zero Point and the Expressway near Khanna Pul were blocked. Initially, access to Islamabad Airport was open but later denied, stranding commuters. Faizabad’s routes to Islamabad were also cut off.
#PAKWatch🇵🇰:
Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, has joined a PTI convoy heading towards Islamabad to protest for her husband's release.
FREE CAPTAIN PAKISTAN — NOW.
pic.twitter.com/jV4ZVxSjbl— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) November 24, 2024
Amid rumors of conflict between Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed her participation in the convoy via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized that Bushra Bibi’s involvement demonstrated her solidarity with PTI workers, as the party aims to lead by example. Additional convoys are expected to join Gandapur in Swabi before advancing towards Islamabad.
In light of the protests, educational institutions in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Murree remain closed on Monday. The Islamia University in Bahawalpur postponed exams scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, while Lahore traffic authorities reported all city entry and exit points, including major bridges and roads, remain open.
Heightened Security in Islamabad
According to Reuters, Islamabad is under a strict security lockdown, with highways blocked and police and paramilitary forces deployed in riot gear. Mobile phone services have been suspended, and gatherings of any kind have been banned. WhatsApp services were also restricted, according to global internet watchdog NetBlocks.
Read more: Massive Security Deployment, Mobile Blackout, Road Closures Ahead of PTI Protest
Ali Amin Gandapur, leading the largest convoy, called on supporters to gather at the entrance to Islamabad’s red zone near D-Chowk, where key government and diplomatic institutions are located. PTI’s demands include Imran Khan’s release and the resignation of the current government over alleged election rigging.
Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces multiple charges, which he and PTI deny.