ISLAMABAD — Forcing
their way into Islamabad after pushing the security forces on backfoot in
violent clashes that resulted in at least half a dozen deaths earlier in the
day, thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protestors have reached
Islamabad's Zero Point 'D-Chowk' where they plan to hold an indefinite sit-in
until party chief and former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is released
from jail.
Violent clashes between the security forces and PTI
protestors are being witnessed at several places in the country's capital as
Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi, the driving force behind the rally, remains
adamant and is urging party workers and supporters to take control of the
sensitive location.
Addressing people at the main Jinnah Avenue, Bushra Bibi
took an oath from supporters to stay put at the venue until her husband is
released.
"You all have to promise me that we will not leave
D-Chowk until Imran Khan is released and is here amongst us. And, if anyone
tells you that I have left, then that will be a lie," she said.
"I also make an appeal to the people of Rawalpindi and
Islamabad to come out of their homes. Nobody should leave D-Chowk even if there
is shortage of food and water. We will stay here for as long as it takes until
Imran Khan is released," she added.
Bushra Bibi also cautioned PTI protesters to not trust
statements coming out of the Adiala jail where Imran Khan is currently lodged.
"Our plan will not change until Imran Khan comes out
and tells us what to do next. No matter the pressure, we will not listen to
anything until Khan addresses us directly. If Khan speaks from inside, don't
listen to him, wait for him to come outside," she stated.
On the other hand, the government continues to warn PTI
protestors that it will be forced to take "extreme steps" to protect
the capital from "mob attacks" if the situation escalates further.
"We have called in the Pakistan Army to ensure security
of the Red Zone. I want to warn PTI again to not test our patience. We are
extremely cautious and are not using force against PTI miscreants to save lives
and bloodshed. In doing so, our forces have been attacked with gunfire and
direct attacks, which has already resulted in martyrdom of police and ranger
personnel," said Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar.
"Any mob taking over the capital cannot be allowed. PTI
wants to see dead bodies to play its dirty politics, and is using innocent
lives of people to extend its evil agenda. We will not let that happen. But we
will also not tolerate the unrest and spread of chaos for too long,” he added.
Meanwhile, the PTI leadership continues to remain in touch
with its jailed chief, consulting him on offers and backdoor talks with the
government while trying to find a mutual ground of understanding for an
agreement.
