The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) convoy has reached the Islamabad Toll Plaza, with its next stop reported to be Chungi No 26, where clashes between police and PTI workers are intensifying.
Security forces have detained several PTI workers from Chungi No 26 as tensions continue to escalate.
Meanwhile, the PTI's protest call has brought life in the federal capital to a standstill, leaving residents struggling to go on with their daily lives. Key entry points to Islamabad and their linked services roads, including Faizabad, Ninth Avenue, Srinagar Highway, and Murree Road, have been blocked with containers.
The Islamabad Expressway has been closed from Faizabad, the junction of the twin cities, where only one vehicle is allowed to pass, while the Metro bus service has also been suspended for three days.
Entry into Islamabad has also been restricted at Khanna Pul, Sohan, IJP Road, and Ninth Avenue. A large number of containers have also been placed at Chungi No 26 to block Srinagar Highway. Service roads connecting the main highways are similarly shut down, causing massive transportation issues.
Due to the road closures, citizens are facing severe difficulties in transportation, as motorcyclists are seen riding on footpaths looking for routes, and cars driving on the wrong side of roads in a desperate attempt to reach destinations.
Also Read: Govt 'proposes' alternative protest location to PTI; Barrister Gohar denies talks
The closure of roads has further led to a shortage of food items, particularly vegetables and fruits, as the supply chain is disrupted. Reports indicate that profiteers are exploiting the situation, with complaints of skyrocketing prices pouring in from affected areas.
PTI workers steal from toll plaza
Meanwhile, a video has surfaced showing PTI workers vandalizing government property at the Sangjani Toll Plaza. The footage reportedly shows protesters storming the toll plaza, stealing computers and other valuables, and setting a police vehicle ablaze.
Security forces have launched an investigation and are using CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. “The violent protesters will be brought to justice at any cost,” stated security sources.
Govt-PTI talks
The government initiated contact with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership to negotiate an alternative location for their planned protest, according to sources. Sources reveal that negotiations between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and PTI leaders were currently underway at the Ministers Enclave.
However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar denied the media reports of talks being held with the government and expressed surprise at the speculation. In an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, Barrister Gohar said that party leader Asad Qaiser was not even present in Islamabad and denied talks with the government.
Also Read: Constable martyred, dozens of policemen injured in violence by PTI protesters
Officials reportedly proposed allowing PTI protesters to hold their protest at a location other than D-Chowk, citing security and administrative concerns. The sources said that the PTI could be offered Peshawar Morr or some other location on the outskirts for the protest, and the protesters will have to guarantee they will remain confined to the designated area.
The government reportedly urged PTI leaders to avoid entering Islamabad, citing a scheduled business conference with Belarusian investors taking place in the capital tomorrow.
