why was Islamabad under siege?

Thousands of Pakistanis have taken to the streets, demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The protests, which escalated into violent clashes with security forces, have gripped Islamabad, posing a significant challenge to the country’s administration.

Protests Turn Violent in Islamabad

What began as a peaceful demonstration turned chaotic when nearly 10,000 protestors clashed with security forces near Pakistan’s Parliament. The protestors are rallying for the release of Imran Khan, who remains in jail. According to reports, the government deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators, while PTI leaders alleged the use of live ammunition.

The protests intensified over the weekend when protestors defied a citywide lockdown that had been imposed to maintain order. The restrictions, which included a ban on public gatherings, followed the deaths of four security personnel during earlier clashes. Despite the lockdown, a massive crowd surged into the capital, demanding justice and the former prime minister’s freedom.

PTI Suspends Protest Amid Crackdown

On Wednesday, PTI leaders temporarily called off the protest after a brutal midnight crackdown by security forces. The operation reportedly left four dead and over 50 injured. Authorities launched raids on protestors, forcing them to retreat after days of resistance.

Imran Khan’s party accused the government of suppressing dissent through violent means, further fuelling tensions. The suspension of protests, however, is seen as a tactical pause rather than a cessation, with PTI members vowing to continue their fight.

Bushra Bibi: A Key Figure Behind the Protest

While Imran Khan leads the movement from jail, his wife, Bushra Bibi, has emerged as a central figure in mobilising the masses. Often addressed as "Bushra Begum" by her followers, she has taken an active role in rallying support for her husband.

Bushra entered Islamabad this week, accompanied by thousands of PTI supporters. From atop a truck near the iconic D-Chowk, she addressed the crowd, urging them to persist in their protest until Khan is released. “You all need to promise that until Khan is amongst us, you won’t leave D-Chowk,” she declared, marking her first public appearance at a political rally.

Security Raids

Interestingly, Bushra Bibi’s call to protest at D-Chowk contradicted Imran Khan’s earlier instructions to demonstrate on the city’s outskirts. This divergence in strategy has sparked debates within PTI about leadership tactics.

Following a midnight raid by security forces, the protestors were forced to disperse. Bushra Bibi reportedly fled to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a PTI stronghold, after narrowly avoiding arrest. Her leadership, though brief, has highlighted her growing influence within the party.

A Tense Political Climate

Imran Khan, who served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, was jailed earlier this year on charges his supporters claim are politically motivated. The current wave of protests underscores the deep political divide in Pakistan, with PTI supporters rallying for what they see as justice and democratic rights.

The situation remains volatile, with authorities on high alert and PTI supporters determined to keep the momentum alive. Whether these protests will lead to Khan’s release or further escalate tensions remains to be seen.

With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies