Daily Times

PTI protesters crossed Islamabad Toll Plaza on Monday on their way towards the federal capital as the government vowed to not spare those behind a cop’s death.

This followed a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and PTI leadership, including Barrister Gohar. Sources said that the first round of talks ended inconclusively.

They said PTI stood firm on its demand to ensure the immediate release of PTI founder.

The PTI leaders, insiders said, also rejected the government’s offer to hold a sit-in at the Parade Ground or Peshawar Mor in the federal capital.

They added these is a possibility of the next round of negotiations between the government and the PTI leaders.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, along with other key party figures, met former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on Monday.

Sources said the purpose of the meeting was to brief Imran Khan on the latest developments concerning the Islamabad protest, and to take his guidance on the matter.

The protest, which the government is determined to foil with force, was originally scheduled to be staged on November 24, but the convoys took a breather last night after PTI leaders said they were in “no hurry” to reach the federal capital for their ‘do or die’ protest, as workers and supporters from across the country attempted to defy arrests, baton charges and tear gas to participate in the agitation.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) last week ruled that PTI’s planned protest was unlawful and directed the federal government to take all necessary measures to maintain law and order in Islamabad without disrupting public life.

PTI founder Imran Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi said in a video message said that people were reaching Islamabad and called on those who had not come out to reach the capital.

She demanded Imran’s release earlier. “My brothers, as long as Imran is not with us, we will not end this march,” she said while addressing supporters at a stop near the Hazara Interchange. “I will stay there till my last breath, and all of you have to support me. This is not just about my husband but about the country and its leader.”

Bushra Bibi is a part of the convoy being led by CM Gandapur.

In a post on X, the Punjab police said that Muzaffargarh Police Constable Muhammad Mubashir Bilal succumbed to his injuries caused by “violence of miscreants” while carrying out his duties to maintain law and order at the Hakla interchange.

It said that Punjab police chief Dr Usman Anwar paid tribute to Constable Bilal, adding that his family’s welfare would be looked after.

“Punjab police will ensure compliance with the Country’s constitution and law at all costs,” he said.

It also posted visuals of another injured constable of the Sargodha police in Attock due to “firing by miscreants”. It added that he was moved to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Hasan Abdal for treatment.

The cop’s funeral prayers were later offered at Rawalpindi. Addressing a press conference after the funeral prayers, Naqvi said: “This is not the first time that our personnel are being martyred. Last time too when they waged a similar assault, our personnel were martyred and today we have to attend those funerals again.

“We have clearly conveyed to all IGs and the Islamabad and Punjab police that those who gave this call [for protest], those who called the protesters, they will all be responsible for this [death] and we will not spare anyone. There will be cases registered against all of them.”

Speaking after him, Dr Anwar said 119 personnel of the Punjab police were injured, four with firearm injuries and many with critical head injuries. He said over 22 police vehicles were damaged and over 22,000 Punjab police personnel were still stationed to deal with the protest.

The interior minister said it would have been very easy to respond in kind but the Punjab police responded to live firing with rubber bullets to mitigate damage on the other side. “However, those who are irresponsible will definitely be punished,” he said, adding that two personnel of the Islamabad police were in critical condition.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the death and ordered that the culprits be identified and given exemplary punishments.

He also ordered that police personnel injured during clashes with protesters be given the best medical treatment. “Attacking police officials in the name of a peaceful protest is condemnable,” the prime minister said.

“Police officers and law enforcement officials are on duty to maintain peace and order. Those who started nationwide riots on May 9 are once again doing violent actions.”

Naqvi also paid tribute to the constable and expressed his condolences to the deceased’s family.

“Constable Mubasher attained the high status of martyrdom while performing his duty,” Naqvi said in a post on X shared by the interior ministry. He added that the protesters who resorted to violence will be brought to justice.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi castigated the PTI over the martyrdom of police officer, holding “those responsible who gave the protest call”.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government extended the imposition of Section 144 across the province for three more days till Thursday. The provincial government had originally imposed it from Saturday to Monday (today).

A notification from the Punjab Home Department said it was being extended due to the “law and order situation” in the province.

The Islamabad administration also issued a notification about all public and private educational institutions remaining closed on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, cases have been registered against former prime minister Imran, his wife Bushra Bibi, former president Dr Arif Alvi, and other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders over alleged violent protests on Nov 24.