Disheartened Workers Turn Against PTI Leaders
Frustrated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers smashed the windows of vehicles belonging to Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder, and Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur. The incident occurred after both leaders left the ongoing protest unexpectedly.
Videos circulating on social media show angry protesters throwing stones and hitting the vehicles with sticks. The workers were reportedly upset because they had been assured the sit-in would continue until the PTI founder’s release. However, the abrupt end of the protest after a government crackdown left them feeling betrayed.
Government Crackdown Sparks Arrests
The “do-or-die” protest demanding Khan’s release concluded with nearly 1,000 PTI supporters detained. Islamabad’s police chief, Ali Rizvi, clarified that no live ammunition was used during the crackdown. He revealed that 600 protesters were arrested in Tuesday’s operation, bringing the total arrests to 954 since the sit-in began on Sunday. Police also recovered weapons, including automatic rifles and tear gas guns, from the protest site.
Political Polarisation and Leadership Turmoil
The protest’s abrupt end has deepened political divisions in the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for decisive actions to end what he termed “politics of agitation” and ensure stability. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) plans to introduce a resolution in the Balochistan Assembly, seeking a ban on the PTI. This decision comes in response to the protest, which reportedly led to the deaths of law enforcement personnel.
Internally, PTI is also facing challenges. Chief Minister Gandapur insisted the sit-in was still on, but PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai expressed frustration. He called for an internal inquiry, criticizing the leadership for failing to provide clear directions during the protest.
Bushra Bibi’s Abrupt Exit Adds to Chaos
A viral video showed Bushra Bibi leaving the protest site in CM Gandapur’s vehicle. She initially traveled in her own car but switched to Gandapur’s vehicle late Tuesday night. Two security vehicles escorted the chief minister’s convoy as it departed from Islamabad’s Sector G-8.
Sources reported that the convoy headed toward Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after passing through Pir Sohawa Road. Bushra’s sister, Maryam Wattoo, clarified the situation, stating that the vehicle switch was due to a flat tire on Bushra Bibi’s car.
Despite the explanation, the sudden departure of key leaders left PTI workers angry and disappointed. This frustration boiled over into acts of vandalism against the leaders’ vehicles.
