The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced the suspension of its Islamabad sit-in early Wednesday after a day of intense clashes in the city’s Red Zone, which left several dead and dozens injured. The decision came amid escalating violence and calls for accountability from the judiciary.
The clashes erupted late Tuesday as PTI supporters attempted to breach barricades at D-Chowk, prompting security forces to deploy tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. PTI leaders, including Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, urged protesters to retreat temporarily, saying, “Go home, have dinner, and return tomorrow.”
In a statement shared on the party’s official X account, PTI condemned the government for turning the capital into a “slaughterhouse” and accused authorities of targeting peaceful demonstrators. The party claimed at least eight workers had been killed in the crackdown, listing their names in the press release. PTI called on Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi to take suo motu notice of the deaths and hold officials, including the prime minister and interior minister, accountable.
The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences confirmed two fatalities and over 60 injuries during the Tuesday clashes, with additional casualties reported from earlier protests. Hospital sources disclosed that six lives were lost over three days, including security personnel.
PTI’s press release paid tribute to its supporters, lauding their resolve in the face of “state brutality” and reaffirming the party’s commitment to its ongoing struggle for haqeeqi azadi (true freedom). It also thanked residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi for their support and hospitality during the protests.
An emergency press conference is scheduled at 11 AM today in Peshawar, where PTI leaders, including Bushra Bibi and National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan, will address the media. The gathering will be hosted at KP Speaker Babar Saleem Swati’s residence.
The government had ramped up security ahead of the protest, citing public safety concerns. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused PTI workers of attacking law enforcement, resulting in the deaths of three Rangers personnel and a Punjab policeman on Monday. Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court deemed PTI’s demonstration unlawful, directing authorities to maintain order during the visit of the Belarusian president.
Despite the setback, PTI vowed to continue its “peaceful political struggle” and warned the government against future attempts to stifle dissent. The party promised to announce its next steps after consulting with its founder, Imran Khan, who remains in detention.
The suspended sit-in marks another chapter in PTI’s ongoing campaign for political reform, with the party reiterating its determination to achieve its objectives through non-violent means.
