Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was taken into custody in Islamabad shortly after arriving in the capital city with a small security team on Saturday, as confirmed by PTI leaders and other sources. Gandapur had led a convoy from Peshawar to the federal capital for a “peaceful protest” on Friday.
His brother, Faisal Amin Gandapur, informed reporters about the arrest, and PTI’s Omar Ayub also confirmed the news. Meanwhile, KP government spokesperson Barrister Saif stated that communication with Gandapur had been lost.
However, some government officials denied reports of Gandapur’s detention.
Gandapur was leading a PTI protest convoy, which he left near Hassan Abdal, before proceeding to Islamabad for unspecified reasons. Upon his arrival, he visited KP House, which was later raided by police, according to sources.
Initial reports suggest that Gandapur was arrested in connection with an old case involving the recovery of alcohol.
Islamabad on lockdown
The federal administration suspended mobile and internet services in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and law enforcement blocked all entry points into the twin cities.
In recent weeks, PTI has held multiple protests across the country against the “illegal” detention of its founder, delays by the Election Commission of Pakistan in implementing a ruling on reserved seats, and in defense of the Constitution.
Before PTI’s earlier protests in Islamabad and Lahore this month, the government imposed strict rules, which Imran Khan’s party did not fully comply with, resulting in clashes between supporters and police.
Iconic D-Chowk
D-Chowk, located near Islamabad’s Red Zone, has become a popular site for demonstrations due to its proximity to major government buildings, including the Presidency, Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, Supreme Court, and foreign embassies.
Tensions at Katti Pahari
Police fired tear gas at PTI protesters at Katti Pahari in Hassan Abdal to disperse the crowd. KP CM Gandapur announced plans to advance as protesters attempted to breach police barricades, prompting authorities to fire thousands of “short- and long-range shells.” Heavy machinery from the convoy moved to the front lines during the clashes.
Gandapur managed to cross the barricades on foot, followed closely by protesters. The authorities had previously filled trenches and overturned containers to block the route. Led by Gandapur, the convoy, which included hundreds of vehicles, headed towards the Bahatar Interchange.
The convoy had remained stuck in Hassan Abdal on the first day of protests, with demonstrators spending the night in the Katti Pahari area.
Pakistan Army personnel have taken over security in Islamabad under Article 245, with additional police and Frontier Corps forces arriving at D-Chowk.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited D-Chowk early in the morning to encourage law enforcement personnel, commending their dedication in maintaining law and order. “The morale of the police and FC personnel is very high,” Naqvi said. “You are fulfilling your national duty with commitment.”
Some security sources reported that Gandapur also faces allegations of attacking state property and causing damage.
Cases filed against PTI activists
A case was registered at the Sadiqabad Police Station against 250 PTI supporters, 17 of whom were named in the report, following protests near Faizabad. Charges included violating the Anti-Terrorism Act and obstructing government duties.
Protesters allegedly set fire to a crane and a motorcycle at 26 Number Chowki, leading to police dispersing the crowd with tear gas. Reports indicated that PTI activists had gathered in groups in the Blue Area.
Convoy pressed on
Adviser to the KP Chief Minister Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed that Gandapur spent the night near Burhan Interchange, where participants continued removing containers to clear their route. Despite communication issues due to the suspension of mobile networks, Saif assured that alternative methods were used to stay connected. He emphasized that the convoy would not turn back and was committed to pursuing its “constitutional and legal rights.”
On Friday, Gandapur’s convoy reached Brahma after clearing obstacles in Chhachh and Burhan. Although temporarily halted by tear gas, the group continued advancing shortly after.
Around 7:45 pm, heavy shelling targeted the convoy at Katti Pahari, resulting in multiple injuries, including among police officers. The area was plunged into darkness during the clashes.
In Rawalpindi, police arrested 10 PTI supporters, while protests on Murree Road were dispersed.
SSP Operations Kamran Asghar stated that the situation in Rawalpindi remained under control and emphasized that the law would not allow anyone to take matters into their own hands.
Protesters with Gandapur’s convoy were also accused of setting fires in green areas to counteract the effects of tear gas.
Naqvi’s warning
Before the protests, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned that PTI would not be permitted to continue its “current activities.” He stressed that any attempt to storm Islamabad would be stopped and urged the party to postpone their rally to avoid interfering with the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting on October 15-16, attended by high-profile leaders from Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and China.
Khan defies the appeal
Imran Khan dismissed the government’s appeal and urged his supporters to gather outside Parliament regardless of obstacles. “I want you all to reach D-Chowk today for a peaceful protest rally,” he posted on X, declaring that the movement had reached a “decisive phase.”
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