Life returns to normalcy in Islamabad after grand operation

ISLAMABAD: The federal capital of Islamabad returned to normalcy on Wednesday morning after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of jailed ex-premier Imran Khan suspended protests to demand his release from jail after a sweeping midnight raid by security forces, the PTI said.

Thousands of protesters had gathered at the D-Chowk square in Islamabad on Tuesday after a convoy, led by Khan’s wife Bushra Khan, and Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province where the PTI is in power, broke through several lines of security all the way to the edge of the city’s highly fortified red zone, home to key government and diplomatic buildings.

A raid that started around midnight plunged the area into darkness as tear gas was unleashed on supporters, who dispersed.

“We are announcing the cancellation of our peaceful protest for the time being in view of the government’s brutality and plans to turn the capital into a slaughterhouse for unarmed citizens,” the PTI said in a statement, saying Khan would now announce the “future action plan” for supporters.

The party claimed eight people were confirmed dead in the late-night clashes but “hundreds” more were feared to have been killed. The government says three paramilitary troops and one policeman had died since the PTI launched its protest on Sunday.

Authorities have removed containers from the road across the twin cities, marking a return to normalcy in Islamabad and Rawalpindi following the clearance of D-Chowk.

As per details, containers were removed from routes in Islamabad and Rawalpindi as PTI has announced to end the protest.

In Rawalpindi also, containers have been lifted from the Faizabad Flyover and Murree Road. The Faizabad Interchange, which was closed for five days, has been reopened.

The Motorway has also been opened for all types of traffic after being closed for four days. The M1 Motorway from Islamabad to Lahore, M2 Motorway from Siakot to Lahore, M3, M4, and M5 Motorways have been opened for traffic.

Additionally, the Multan to Sukkur Motorway has also been reopened for traffic.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the area between D Chowk and Khyber Plaza. He met with the personnel of law enforcement agencies and praised their bravery. He expressed appreciation for the Rangers, Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh Police, FC, and the Pakistan Army for clearing D-Chowk and surrounding areas.

He reviewed the areas cleared of miscreants and directed CDA to carry out the cleaning task on the roads. He also assessed the damage to buildings and infrastructure caused by the miscreant attacks and instructed the removal of road blockages.

The Interior Minister said the conspiracy to sow discord was thwarted. He said it is the victory of Pakistanis.

Mohsin Naqvi voiced optimism that normalcy would return to Islamabad. “You saw them fleeing — thousands, not just one or two or three,” he said, referring to the protesters. “For us, the most important thing is to restore all the roads in Islamabad that were blocked. Reopen mobile phone and Internet services. By tomorrow, you will find the roads operational.”

On Wednesday morning, residents woke up to city workers cleaning up debris as authorities removed the shipping containers that had blocked roads around the capital since Sunday. The heavily fortified red zone was empty of protesters but several of their vehicles were left behind, including the charred remains of a truck from which Bushra had been leading the protests.

As per survey of major parts of Islamabad showed traffic on the roads, and shops and businesses open. Shipping containers that had been blocking roads inside the city since last week and had been used to disconnect the city from major motorways and highways had been removed.

“Containers have been removed. Clean-up is ongoing. Security is back to routine,” said Dr. Abdulla Tabassam, a spokesperson for the Islamabad district administration.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the PTI had suffered a “major political failure,” saying their leaders had come to free Khan from jail but ended up with getting many of his supporters arrested.

“This has become a major political failure for them,” he added. “They have suffered significant losses and will not be able to recover from this.” Staff Report