CM Gandapur, Bushra Bibi reach KP Assembly Speaker’s residence

Former prime minister Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi, and Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur reached KP Assembly Speaker’s residence, hours after their whereabouts had remained unknown.

Earlier, police sources claimed their vehicle was diverted toward KP House, with an Islamabad Police squad in pursuit.

Both leaders fled the capital during the security forces' crackdown on PTI protesters and spent the night at the Mansehra Circuit House. They were accompanied by National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and KP Assembly Speaker Saleem Swati.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) called off its protest at Islamabad’s D Chowk, following  a large-scale midnight operation by law enforcement authorities against individuals deemed to be causing unrest in the capital.

PTI said that the decision to temporarily halt the demonstration, was made in line with directives from former prime minister Imran Khan.

In a statement on X, PTI condemned what they described as excessive force against protesters in the capital.

"Brutality was shown against peaceful demonstrators in Islamabad," PTI said, adding, “While dozens of party workers have been killed and others injured, details of only eight have been received so far.” 

"Workers were shot directly, and we strongly condemn the killing and crackdown on our supporters,” it stated. 

Earlier in the day, Rangers cleared D-Chowk, pushing PTI protesters back from Jinnah Avenue to Khyber Plaza. The situation in Islamabad remains tense as both sides assess the aftermath of the protest and the ensuing crackdown.