Breaking Update:
Tribune’s breaking update; 27 Nov 2024: In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the government, under caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, unleashed a heavy-handed crackdown on protesters late last night in Islamabad. According to eyewitnesses, police and Rangers fired indiscriminately at the demonstrators under the cover of darkness, leading to unconfirmed reports of
multiple casualties among the workers.
Adding to the turmoil, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) truck carrying prominent leaders, including Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, was allegedly set ablaze by police personnel. The truck, parked near a side, became a target of what has been described by witnesses as brutal and reckless aggression.
The situation in and around D-Chowk (Islamabad) deteriorated further as all lights in the vicinity were turned off, while shops, petrol stations, and nearby establishments were sealed off. Raids in various areas of Islamabad reportedly led to mass arrests of protesters. Tear gas shells and live rounds were also deployed, amplifying the chaos and panic.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the whereabouts and status of Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi. Some claim they have been arrested, while others suggest they are surrounded by party workers inside their vehicles, engaged in tense negotiations with the police and Rangers.
Meanwhile, the controlled media coverage of the event has come under fire, with accusations of spreading misinformation and fuelling rumours. Critics argue that the role of the press in reporting accurately during this critical time has been compromised or controlled by state agencies.
This protest has been framed as a defining moment for Pakistan’s future, with stakes involving the security and survival of its 250 million citizens. PTI leaders are urging people from Punjab, Sindh, and Karachi to march towards Islamabad, emphasizing that a unified front is crucial to achieving their freedom and citizens’ rights.
The clash has now escalated into what many describe as a battle between an “oppressive regime” and the “resilient spirit” of Pakistan’s citizens. The coming days will reveal whether this confrontation marks a turning point in the country’s political landscape or plunges it further into turmoil.
