Bushra Bibi, Gandapur 'safe' in K-P: sources

Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran, and Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, have reportedly fled Islamabad and reached Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid a police operation targeting party protesters.

The crackdown began late Tuesday night near Islamabad’s Blue Area, where the two were reportedly last seen near Kulsoom Plaza.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has assured that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi are safe. However, he refrained from disclosing his sources for this information.

Unverified sources claim Bushra Bibi and CM Gandapur are now in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and are safe. Close aides of Gandapur have confirmed his arrival, while similar reports about Bushra Bibi remain unofficial.

Maryam Riaz Watto, Bushra Bibi’s sister, expressed concerns over her sibling’s safety. In a video message released early Wednesday, Maryam alleged that Bushra might have been "kidnapped" as the family had not heard from her since security forces allegedly fired on PTI protestors' vehicles.

“If Bushra Bibi had reached KP, she would have contacted us,” Maryam said, adding that conflicting reports regarding Bushra’s arrest and supposed arrival in KP had left the family anxious.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated efforts are underway to apprehend the two PTI figures.

“We are taking all necessary steps to detain them,” he said, without disclosing further details about the operation.

Mohsin Naqvi commends law enforcement for preventing PTI’s D-Chowk protest

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Minister Mohsin Naqvi has praised law enforcement agencies for their effective handling of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest attempt at D-Chowk in Islamabad.

"We thank Allah that the subversive conspiracy has failed miserably, and a peaceful Pakistan and its people have emerged victorious,"

During his visit from D-Chowk to Khyber Plaza, the interior minister stated that Rangers officers and soldiers bravely repelled the protesters. "I congratulate the Pakistan Army, FC, Islamabad, Punjab, and Sindh police for their courageous role," he added.

Earlier, the interior minister met with law enforcement personnel on duty at D-Chowk and praised their bravery. He also commended the Rangers, Islamabad, Punjab, and Sindh police, FC, and the Pakistan Army for successfully clearing D-Chowk and surrounding areas of Islamabad.

The interior minister inspected the areas cleared of miscreants and directed the CDA (Capital Development Authority) to carry out cleaning operations, as well as to remove obstacles from the roads, Express News reported.

Mohsin Naqvi also assessed the damage caused to buildings and other infrastructure by the attacks of the miscreants.

It is noteworthy that late at night, during the operation against the protesters, PTI announced the cancellation of its Islamabad protest.

According to the PTI spokesperson, the next course of action will be announced after a meeting with the founding chairman and the core committee.

The spokesperson stated, "Peaceful protesters were showered with bullets on the streets of Islamabad, leaving hundreds of unarmed Pakistanis injured and drenched in blood."