Daily Times

Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, were confirmed to have arrived at KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati’s residence after going off the radar during the government crackdown in Islamabad.

PTI leader Taimur Saleem Khan confirmed the duo’s location, adding that they were joined by National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub. Sources revealed the group, including Swati, spent the night at the Circuit House in Mansehra after fleeing Islamabad amid escalating tensions.

The development followed a statement by Bushra Bibi’s sister, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, who raised concerns over her possible abduction. In a video message, Wattoo expressed apprehension, citing conflicting reports about Bushra’s whereabouts. “Some claim Bushra Bibi has been arrested, while others suggest she has reached KP. It appears she has been abducted,” she remarked.

The uncertainty comes in the wake of PTI’s decision to temporarily suspend its protest in Islamabad after a midnight crackdown by law enforcement dispersed workers. PTI, in a statement, described the government’s actions as brutal and announced plans to reassess their strategy following input from the party’s incarcerated leader.

PTI also alleged that eight workers lost their lives during the unrest, naming them as Anis Shehzad Satti, Malik Mubeen Aurangzeb, Abdul Qadir, Malik Safdar Ali, Ahmed Wali, Muhammad Ilyas, and Abdul Rashid.

Wattoo emphasized that Bushra Bibi would not abandon Imran Khan or the party’s movement, asserting that the former first lady had no plans to flee. Earlier, she stated that Bushra remained in Islamabad, steadfast amid the crisis.

Normalcy Returns to Key Areas

Amid the political chaos, several key roads and motorways across the country have reopened, restoring connectivity after days of disruptions. The Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M-2), Lahore-Sialkot Motorway, and routes including M-3, M-4, and M-5 are now operational, offering relief to commuters.

Life in Islamabad, the epicenter of recent protests, is gradually returning to normal. Authorities have cleared roadblocks, easing mobility after clashes between PTI workers and law enforcement paralyzed the city.

The situation remains dynamic, with PTI expected to announce its next steps following consultations with its leadership.