Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, leading a convoy from Peshawar, departed for Swabi, where other convoys from various regions will join before heading to Islamabad. Sources also revealed that Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, is part of the protest convoy, traveling in a separate vehicle.
Bushra Bibi’s sister, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, addressed concerns regarding her participation, stating, “Bushra Bibi is with the convoy, but the party leadership will lead it.” She added that many tried to dissuade Bushra Bibi from joining due to potential threats, but “those walking the path of righteousness fear no dangers.”
Meanwhile, Islamabad has been effectively sealed off, with all entry and exit points closed and major routes blocked. Security has been heightened in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with heavy deployments of Rangers, FC, Elite Force, and police personnel. Key areas such as Iran Avenue and Margalla Road have been barricaded with containers. Metro bus services have been suspended, and bus terminals have been shut down.
The federal government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has imposed strict measures, including Section 144 in Islamabad for two months. Additional police forces have been stationed, equipped with anti-riot gear, while strategic locations such as Tarnol, Chungi No. 26, and Sangjani have been secured by Rangers.
In Lahore, similar measures are in place, with key entry and exit routes, including Thokar Niaz Baig, Babu Sabu Interchange, and Shahdara Chowk, completely sealed. The city’s bus terminals have also been shut, leading to increased crowding at railway stations, prompting authorities to schedule additional trains between Lahore and Rawalpindi. Section 144 has been enforced across Punjab for three days and in Balochistan for 15 days, banning all gatherings, rallies, and protests.
Motorways connecting Punjab and Azad Kashmir have also been blocked using containers, restricting movement toward the federal capital. The interior ministry announced selective suspension of mobile data and Wi-Fi services in security-sensitive areas.
Additionally, NACTA issued a terror alert, warning of possible cross-border infiltration from Afghanistan. It highlighted the risk of terrorist activity targeting the PTI protests on November 24.
Chief Minister Gandapur vowed to reach D-Chowk at all costs, stating, “Imran Khan’s orders will be followed, and we will stay in Islamabad until the demands, including the release of PTI’s founder and other prisoners, are met.”
