ISLAMABAD: A large number of PTI workers managed to reach the high-security zone near D-Chowk on Saturday after overcoming the obstacles placed by the administration and the police.

Different groups of protestors, including the caravan of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur entered the capital from Taxila near Nicholson Monument after breaking the police cordon.

A contingent of police 320 police personnel along with a 100-strong anti-riot unit of Rangers was deployed at the site to intercept the protestors under the supervision of SP Sadar Khan Zaib, whereas the entry point was also sealed with containers.

In the evening, a caravan led by the KP chief minister, comprising buses, wagons, cars, and SUVs reached there and after a physical confrontation succeeded in overcoming the cordon and removing the container. After it entered the capital, it moved towards China Chowk via Iran Avenue and Margalla Road.

Protesters enter capital, moving to Red Zone via Jinnah Avenue

Likewise, more caravans reached the monument and entered the capital. They used the same route as Gandapur’s to reach Jinnah Avenue. The police used tear gas and available resources to push back the protesters but failed.

During the two days – Friday and Saturday – an amount of Rs54 million along with a force of 6,000 personnel, comprising police, Rangers and FC, was used to counter the PTI’s protest and stop them from entering the capital and reaching the D-Chowk on Jinnah Avenue.

This amount includes rent of 600 containers, meals for 6,000 personnel, and rent for 60 vehicles being used for the transportation of the police to their duty points.

Besides, the police used tear gas at six different places: Katti Pahari (Nicholson Monument), China Chowk, Express Chowk, Fazal-i-Haq Road, Expressway, and Chongi No. 26. In spite of that, at least 10,000 protesters managed to reach Express Chowk and put up massive resistance against the law enforcers. They joined the PTI activists who were already giving a hard time to law enforcers since Friday evening.

At one point, the police turned towards the staff of offices located in Blue Area as they had come out of their offices to witness the physical confrontation between the police and the PTI supporters. The police asked them to leave the spot, and over their refusal, the police started thrashing them.

One of the security guards eventually lost his temper and started firing at the police with his weapon.

The policemen ran away; however, two personnel were caught by those who were being beaten up and faced the same treatment. It may be noted that the capital police and administration sealed 27 points in Islamabad and deployment was made at almost 48 different points to counter the protestors and intercept them.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2024