Bushra Bibi, Gandapur exchange 'heated words' over D-Chowk protest

Bushra Bibi reportedly expressed her desire to lead the protest from Peshawar while Ali Amin Gandapur disagreed

ISLAMABAD:

Differences within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over participation in the planned Islamabad protest have come to the forefront, with a heated exchange taking place between Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

According to sources, the disagreement occurred today when Bushra Bibi expressed her intention to lead the protest from Peshawar, while Ali Amin Gandapur disagreed, stating that Bushra Bibi has no involvement in politics, Express News reported.

Following the argument, Bushra Bibi remained in her car, while Gandapur left for his residence.

In a related development, PTI's senior leadership held an important meeting late last night to discuss the challenges facing the party and its planned protest.

During the meeting, PTI leaders emphasized that the protest will go ahead as planned, and if obstacles arise, a backup plan (Plan B) will be implemented.

PTI leaders also indicated that they will continue their protest until their demands are met, and that protests will begin wherever barriers are encountered.

The meeting proposed that as soon as obstacles are removed, the march towards Islamabad will begin.

PTI leaders further stated that transportation systems across the country, including the motorway, have been disrupted, with roadblocks in place. However, they confirmed that once Islamabad becomes accessible, the party will begin its march toward the capital.

Railway suspension, road closures and police mobilization

Pakistan Railways has suspended all train services between Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar in light of the ongoing PTI protest.

According to railway authorities, services between Peshawar and Rawalpindi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, as well as between Multan and Faisalabad to Rawalpindi, have been halted immediately.

Additionally, all 25 train bookings have been canceled, and passengers will receive immediate refunds for their tickets.

A heavy police presence has been deployed at railway stations, and access to these stations has been completely restricted.

Despite widespread crackdowns, road closures, and arrests, PTI remained steadfast, vowing to overcome all obstacles and reach Islamabad for their planned rally on November 24th (today).

Meanwhile, the provincial authorities, under directives from the federal government, intensified their efforts to prevent PTI supporters from reaching the capital.