Life in Islamabad began returning to normal on Wednesday after a grand operation dispersed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters. Business activities resumed, and schools are set to reopen on Thursday, marking an end to the disruption caused by the protests.
The operation followed a night of intense clashes between security forces and PTI supporters. Authorities swiftly cleared roads and removed barricades erected during the demonstrations. “The operation has been successfully concluded, and normalcy is being restored,” said a senior official.
Roads and Motorways Reopened
City officials reopened major roads and began removing containers from sensitive areas, including the Red Zone, home to key government buildings. Cleaning operations are underway to clear debris and abandoned vehicles left by protesters.
“We are ensuring roads are clear before the morning,” said Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon. “All roadblocks will be removed, and the city will be cleaned up.”
Motorways that had been closed for four days are now operational. The Islamabad-Lahore (M-2), Lahore-Sialkot, M-3, M-4, and M-5 motorways have reopened, restoring regional connectivity and easing commuter woes.
Protest Ends Amid Heavy Crackdown
The PTI protest in the federal capital, which escalated to the D-Chowk area, was brought to an abrupt end late Tuesday night as law enforcement launched a grand operation. Reports suggest hundreds of protesters were arrested during the crackdown, while senior PTI leaders, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, reportedly fled to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the protest site had been cleared. “The law enforcement personnel have restored order,” he stated, adding that normal daily life would resume shortly.
The operation was marked by intense clashes, with protesters clashing with security forces and attempting to push past containers and barriers. Footage showed PTI supporters climbing containers near the Parliament, an act that embarrassed the government despite its restraint. Late-night efforts by the military, called in with shoot-at-sight orders, forced protesters to retreat. By midnight, law enforcement had regained control of the area.
Arrests and Aftermath
More than 450 protesters were reportedly arrested, and special teams have been formed to apprehend key PTI leaders. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram stated that the party was deliberating the situation and gathering information, with several workers allegedly injured during the operation.
During a media talk, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said the PTI had suffered a major blow. “PTI’s final call was a missed call,” he remarked. “The protesters fled, leaving behind their shoes, clothes, and vehicles.”
PTI’s Demands
The protest initially aimed to press the government on four demands: the release of Imran Khan and political prisoners, reversal of the 26th constitutional amendment, restoration of democracy, and acknowledgment of the party’s alleged stolen mandate in the 2024 general elections. However, the crackdown effectively quashed these efforts.
As Islamabad returns to normalcy, questions linger over the long-term implications of the protests and the government’s handling of the situation.
