Bushra Bibi firm on D-Chowk protest amid police shelling

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) convoy, led by Bushra Bibi, reached Zero Point from the 26 No. Chowk, where police began intense shelling, while party workers responded by throwing stones.

Clashes between police and PTI workers continue in Islamabad, with PTI supporters reaching Zero Point. Rangers have been deployed around important buildings in Islamabad, while military troops have been stationed at D-Chowk.

The effects of the tear gas shelling on the protesters reached Aabpara Chowk, prompting shops in the Aabpara Market to shut down.

Due to the escalating situation, additional police forces were called in from Rawalpindi, with an initial contingent of 1,000 officers dispatched to Islamabad.

In response to the protests, fresh deployments of Rangers were also sent, with forces advancing from D-Chowk to China Chowk, where tear gas shelling continues.

Severe shelling has also been reported in Blue Area.

Earlier, police attempted to block protesters at the G-10 signal for two hours, but after facing resistance, they were forced to allow the protesters to pass. Police and Rangers have now established positions at G-9 signal on Srinagar Highway.

DIG Operations Islamabad Police Ali Raza Alvi is leading the operation. Protesters are advancing on both the Srinagar Highway and the adjacent service road.

Imran Khan and Barrister Gohar’s meeting

On the previous day, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar contacted Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur following Imran Khan's video message.

Sources say that PTI’s founder suggested an alternative location for the protest, but Bushra Bibi refused. She stated that certain conspiratorial elements wanted to stop them from protesting at D-Chowk and suggested another location.

However, the founder insisted on proceeding to D-Chowk, as party workers would not accept any negotiation at another site.

Throughout this situation, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has remained silent on negotiations.

Bushra Bibi tells workers to stay firm until Imran Khan comes out

Bushra Bibi, has instructed workers to not accept anything until Imran Khan comes out. She confirmed that the protest would take place at D-Chowk.

Speaking to the protesters in Islamabad, Bushra Bibi said, "Our plan will not change until Imran Khan comes out and tells us what to do. No matter the pressure, we will not listen to anything until Khan addresses us directly." She added, "If Khan speaks from inside, don’t listen to him, wait for him to come outside."

She further stated, "We will not go to the Red Zone; our sit-in will be at D-Chowk. When we reach D-Chowk, Khan will guide us on the next steps." She urged the workers to remain peaceful and said, "The administration must stay peaceful as well, and I ask them not to harm our children, elders, or brothers. I trust everyone will respect this."