A “do-or-die” protest launched by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) came to an abrupt halt in the early hours of Wednesday (November 27), when Bushra Bibi, the spouse of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, decided to end the protest and return to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The decision followed the overwhelming use of tear gas by Rangers and security forces, which temporarily quelled the turmoil but failed to resolve the ongoing political conflict that has simmered since 2018.
On November 24, PTI had launched a protest march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, primarily aimed at securing Imran Khan’s release from jail. However, the protest did not lead to his release or diminish the influence of the establishment. These expectations were based on a misunderstanding of the situation, with PTI mistakenly assuming that direct confrontation or a poorly organized protest could reduce the establishment’s power. When Bushra Bibi decided to end the protest, these hopes were dashed.
The clash began around 8 p.m. on November 26 when PTI workers attempted to move a small container towards D-Chowk in Islamabad’s Blue Area. In response, Islamabad Police and Rangers launched intense shelling. As a result, PTI workers abandoned the container and joined Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy nearby. The container was left unguarded for an hour and was later set on fire by unknown individuals, an incident that played a pivotal role in the decision to end the protest.
At 11:30 p.m., Islamabad police were ordered to prepare for potential arrests. By 11:45 p.m., Rangers and security forces launched an operation, dispersing PTI workers. Bushra Bibi, who had been in a secure vehicle, became panicked by the shelling and immediately decided to return to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A key reason for this was likely the loss of the secure container, which had been intended as her base for leading the protest.
When Bushra Bibi announced her departure, an eyewitness reported that about 30 Pashtuns clung to her car, pleading with her not to leave. Despite their pleas, Bushra Bibi continued her departure. She had entered Islamabad the previous night with a convoy from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which was predominantly made up of Pashtuns. Her speeches had primarily addressed them, urging them to persist in the protest to the “last breath.”
The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, already dealing with attacks by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups, saw Bushra Bibi’s call as a movement for change. However, there was little support from the people of Punjab or Rawalpindi. The PTI had hoped that Bushra Bibi’s arrival would rally widespread support, forcing the government and establishment to negotiate terms that would secure Imran Khan’s release and address grievances related to constitutional amendments and electoral legitimacy. Despite earlier international statements expressing support for PTI’s cause, the protest fizzled out as Bushra Bibi refused to heed the advice of party leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who had urged a more measured approach.
Reports indicate that the protests resulted in casualties, with at least five confirmed deaths, including three Rangers, one Frontier Constabulary (FC) officer, and one police officer. Over 800 arrests have been made during the unrest. The cessation of the immediate crisis does not resolve the deeper issues facing Pakistan’s state apparatus, including the need for effective democracy, political stability, and the eradication of terrorism. While PTI may not return to Islamabad in the near future, any future public movement could capitalize on these unresolved issues, reinvigorating PTI or other political groups in their struggle.
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