In pictures: Chaos, destruction after PTI end protest amid security crackdown

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) temporarily called off its protest in Islamabad after a late-night raid on Tuesday by security forces led to widespread clashes and the arrest of hundreds of people.

The protest, which had attracted thousands of supporters, aimed to pressure the government for the release of party leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023.

The rally, which began with a convoy led by Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, reached the outskirts of Islamabad’s heavily secured Red Zone, despite security forces’ attempts to block their entry.

PTI supporters had gathered at D-Chowk, the site of past protests, where they vowed to stay until Khan’s release and to voice opposition against alleged electoral fraud in February’s elections.

However, the protest quickly descended into chaos when security forces launched a massive operation around midnight, using tear gas and other measures to disperse the crowd. 

Photo credit: AFP

By Wednesday morning, PTI officials announced a temporary suspension of the protest.

Party leadership, including Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, had retreated to their home province. 

However, the abrupt end to the protest leaves the party's next steps uncertain as it deals with the aftermath of the crackdown.

Photo credit: AFP

Photo credit: AFPPhoto credit: AFP

Photo credit: AFP