Over 900 PTI workers arrested in three days: IG Islamabad

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, announced on Wednesday that a total of 954 protesters have been arrested over the past three days, with 610 of those arrests occurring just on Tuesday.

The arrests were part of the law enforcement response to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests in the capital.

Speaking at a press conference alongside the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, IGP Rizvi reported the seizure of more than 200 vehicles and 39 different types of weapons, including Kalashnikovs, 12-bore guns, and other firearms, from protesters during the demonstration.

"We have video evidence showing armed protesters advancing with masks on their faces," Rizvi stated, highlighting the seriousness of the unrest.

Additionally, the IGP revealed that out of 71 individuals reported as injured during the protests, 52 were law enforcement personnel. He further explained that protesters had employed large fans to blow tear gas fumes back towards security forces, intensifying the confrontation.

He emphasised that all roads leading to and from Islamabad are open, and routine activities are continuing without disruption. "No one will be allowed to challenge the state's authority," he asserted.

While containers have been removed, patrolling and security checks will continue at key locations. "Outsiders will not be allowed to stay in Islamabad without security clearance," Muhammad Ali Randhawa reiterated.

He also noted that protesters attacked journalists, prompting authorities to move the media from the area. "Fuel pumps were temporarily shut down due to concerns that they might be set on fire."

IG Ali Nasir highlighted that while peaceful protests are a democratic right, violence, attacks on police, and damage to property cross the line into terrorism.

"When protesters use firearms, attack security personnel, and confine citizens to their homes, it ceases to be a protest and becomes an act of terrorism, against which we have every right to take action."

He added that attacks on security forces will not be tolerated under the guise of protests. "Security personnel were assaulted, some were martyred, and others injured. A variety of guns, including Kalashnikovs and pistols, were used, and live ammunition was fired."

IG Ali Nasir also disclosed that the violence was orchestrated with state-level resources from one province. "Tear gas shells were manufactured, large fans were built to blow smoke towards security personnel, and protesters wore masks and carried various weapons. We have seized 39 firearms, including Kalashnikovs and pistols."

He further revealed that 71 security personnel were injured, with 52 injured in a single day, including 26 Rangers. "Whenever protesters are apprehended, they resort to using weapons," he concluded.

Normalcy returns to Islamabad, Punjab after PTI ends protest

Life in the capital began to return to normal on Wednesday after a grand operation to disperse Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters was completed, with business activities resuming and educational activities expected to restart tomorrow.

Following a night of clashes between security forces and PTI supporters, authorities in Islamabad began clearing roads and removing barricades that had been erected during the protest, Express News reported.

"The operation has been successfully concluded and normalcy is being restored," a senior official told reporters.

In addition to reopening roads that were closed due to the protests, city officials started removing containers from sensitive areas like the Red Zone, where many key government buildings are located. Cleaning operations are underway across the city to ensure public spaces are cleared of debris and abandoned vehicles left behind by protesters.

The streets, once filled with protesters, now bear the remnants of the demonstrations—scattered shoes, clothes, and vehicles left abandoned. "We are making sure the roads are clear before the morning," said Islamabad's Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Memon. "All roadblocks will be removed and areas will be cleaned up," he added.

After being closed for four days, all motorways have now been reopened, as confirmed by motorway authorities. The Islamabad-Lahore motorway (M-2) is once again open, providing relief to commuters.

In addition, the Lahore-Sialkot motorway has been restored, improving regional connectivity.

Motorways M-3, M-4, and M-5 have also resumed operations, allowing for smoother travel across multiple areas of the country.

Authorities also confirmed that business activities would resume immediately, and schools would reopen tomorrow. The city is now experiencing a calm atmosphere following the intense clashes that saw protesters clashing with police and military forces on the streets of the capital.