Islamabad, Pakistan – On a tense Monday evening, thousands of supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party gathered in the heart of Islamabad, responding to a call from their leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned on a slew of charges. Leading the charge was his wife, Bushra Bibi, who urged the demonstrators to remain steadfast until Khan’s release.
However, within 24 hours, the rally was forcibly dispersed by security forces in a late-night raid under the cover of darkness, plunging central Islamabad into chaos. The operation, which unfolded near the city’s highly sensitive Red Zone, employed tear gas and heavy police presence to scatter the crowd, reportedly leaving several injured on both sides. Official accounts conflict, with the government denying allegations of excessive force or fatalities, while PTI claims that eight of its supporters were killed during the crackdown.
A Protest Cut Short
The rally had been framed by PTI as a decisive moment to challenge the government over three primary demands: addressing alleged vote rigging in the February elections, securing the release of political prisoners including Khan, and reversing controversial amendments granting the government control over judicial appointments. PTI convoys defied court orders to enter Islamabad, calling it their “final call” to action.
Yet, by Wednesday morning, the protest had been called off, leaving analysts questioning the party’s strategy. “This collapse is a serious blow to their narrative and leadership,” said political analyst Zaigham Khan.
Bushra Bibi and senior PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur retreated to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the cover of night as the raid began. Their sudden departure, critics say, left their supporters demoralized and raised questions about the party’s leadership. “Such actions deepen internal rifts and undermine the trust of their base,” noted Ahmed Ijaz, an Islamabad-based political observer.
A Pattern of Protests
This marked the fourth major protest by PTI in four months, all of which ended prematurely. Since Khan’s removal from office via a no-confidence vote in April 2022, the party has been in near-constant protest mode. While PTI secured the largest number of seats in February’s elections, it failed to form a government and has since claimed its mandate was stolen.
Imran Khan, jailed since August 2023, faces charges ranging from corruption to treason. Bushra Bibi, herself detained for nine months on corruption charges, was released on bail in October. Critics accuse PTI of relying heavily on street protests and online campaigns without delivering a cohesive political strategy. “Social media alone cannot sustain a political movement,” said analyst Talat Hussain. “The events in Islamabad prove that ground realities demand organized leadership and actionable plans.”
A Government Under Fire
The Sharif-led government, already under scrutiny for alleged electoral rigging, has been criticized for its heavy-handed approach to the protests. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused PTI protesters of resorting to violence, claiming they were armed and had injured security personnel. “This was not a peaceful protest,” said Naqvi. “They wanted to incite violence to gain public sympathy.”
However, analysts argue the use of excessive force by the government could backfire. “This crackdown may deter future rallies in the short term, but it also reveals the administration’s inability to engage in dialogue or manage dissent peacefully,” said Lahore-based analyst Benazir Shah.
The operation also raises questions about the government’s credibility. Allegations of voter manipulation and widespread dissatisfaction with its handling of political opposition have left the administration struggling to assert legitimacy. “This is the most unpopular government in Pakistan’s recent history,” said Zaigham Khan. “They couldn’t afford to allow PTI any momentum, and their aggressive response reflects that desperation.”
The Road Ahead for PTI
For PTI, the protest’s abrupt end underscores its organizational weaknesses and strategic missteps. The party has relied on populist rhetoric and Imran Khan’s personal charisma, but its inability to achieve concrete goals during months of protests suggests a need for recalibration.
“PTI now faces a critical choice: either continue down this path of fragmented protests or seek alliances with other political parties and movements that share broader grievances against the state,” said Shah. A unified front focusing on social and human rights issues, she added, could generate more national support and international attention.
Meanwhile, the public remains divided. Some sympathize with PTI’s claims of electoral injustice and criticize the government’s authoritarian response, while others see the party as complicit in escalating unrest.
A Nation in Turmoil
The political drama in Islamabad reflects a broader crisis in Pakistan. The country continues to grapple with economic instability, eroding public trust in institutions, and deep political polarization. Amid this backdrop, the fate of both PTI and the Sharif administration hangs in the balance.
Observers warn that the government’s current approach of forcefully suppressing opposition could set a dangerous precedent. “The lack of dialogue and mutual distrust between stakeholders is pushing Pakistan further into political deadlock,” said Shah.
For now, Islamabad has returned to a tense calm, but the unresolved grievances fueling these protests suggest that this chapter in Pakistan’s political struggle is far from over.
