Islamabad has been transformed into what locals now call “Containeristan,” with shipping containers blocking roads and streets as the capital braces for political unrest. Thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan are marching towards the city, demanding his release from prison alongside hundreds of party members detained over the last two years.
The march, led by Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur, aims to reach D Chowk, a central square in Islamabad known for political rallies and its proximity to key government buildings. Protesters have been travelling from across Pakistan since Sunday, with the main convoy expected to enter the capital by noon.
Authorities have placed Islamabad under lockdown to prevent protesters from reaching their destination. Major highways and roads leading to the city are blocked, mobile services are partially suspended, and platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram are inaccessible. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that protesters attempting to gather at D Chowk will face immediate arrest.
Daily Life in Disarray
For Islamabad residents, the situation has disrupted daily life. Schools are closed, businesses reliant on the internet have ground to a halt, and workers face significant challenges commuting to their offices. “It’s exhausting,” one resident said, reflecting on the impact of repeated demonstrations and road closures.
PTI’s “Final Call”
Imran Khan has labelled this protest as the “final call,” presenting it as a do-or-die moment for his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The movement’s demands include Khan’s release from prison and the cessation of what the party alleges is an unjust crackdown on its members.
Bushra Bibi, released on bail last month in a case linked to the alleged illegal sale of state gifts, is addressing rallies for the first time, injecting new energy into a movement seen by some as fatigued from constant demonstrations. Addressing the convoy 50km from Islamabad, she declared, “We will not end this march until Khan is released.”
Clashes Erupt Near Islamabad
Violent clashes have broken out in the suburbs, with PTI supporters setting police vehicles ablaze and hurling stones. Police report being pelted with projectiles, while PTI claims law enforcement has used tear gas and baton charges to disperse crowds. The Islamabad High Court has ruled the protest unlawful, adding to tensions between authorities and demonstrators.
The Final Destination: D Chowk
The protesters’ ultimate goal is D Chowk, a focal point for political demonstrations in Islamabad. Located near the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court, the square has frequently been at the centre of political unrest. Its strategic location often results in citywide paralysis during large gatherings.
As Islamabad remains on edge, the outcome of this latest standoff could significantly shape Pakistan’s political future. The capital’s streets are blocked, and its residents brace for more uncertainty as the protest unfolds.