Protesters in Pakistan march towards capital demanding former PM’s release

Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, reiterated her call for his release as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) convoy from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) entered Islamabad.

Speaking to rally participants near the Hazara Interchange, she declared, "As long as Imran is not with us, we will not end this march," stressing the importance of the cause for both the country and its leader. Bushra Bibi is accompanying the convoy led by KP Chief Minister Amin Ali Gandapur, Caliber.Az reports citing Pakistani media.

PTI spokesperson Shaukat Yousafzai confirmed the convoy entered Islamabad from the Sangjani toll plaza, and multiple convoys were reported to be approaching the capital. The party shared footage of the KP convoy entering Islamabad, with Bushra Bibi and other leaders like Gandapur and Babar Saleem Swati among the key figures. Bushra Bibi had earlier urged those who hadn’t yet joined the march to do so, asserting the high morale of the protesters.

The protest, initially planned for November 24, saw a delay as PTI leaders took a cautious approach, prioritizing a gradual arrival in Islamabad. PTI leaders confirmed the procession was advancing slowly due to the size of the crowds and roadblocks. The police were reported to have retreated after witnessing the large turnout. PTI leader Asad Qaiser indicated that the marchers from different regions, including Peshawar and Mardan, would arrive in the capital over the next few days.

Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari criticized PTI’s protest, questioning how it would result in Imran Khan's release and pointing out the deaths in Kurram while the KP Chief Minister focused on a political rally. Security forces were deployed in full force to thwart the protest, especially around the Red Zone, which houses key government buildings. Authorities warned that anyone attempting to enter the capital would face legal consequences.

By Vafa Guliyeva