Islamabad prepared for one of the most fervent and divisive demonstrations of recent years on
November 25, 2024. As thousands of supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and
his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), gathered in the capital to demand his release, as the political
turmoil surrounding them reached a breaking point. Over the next 48 hours, a nation on the brink,
government crackdowns, and a chaotic show of defiance emerged.
Unaware of the mounting strain, I had landed in Islamabad early on November 25. The streets seemed
especially empty as I headed toward the city center. The regular buzz of traffic was replaced by a strange
silence broken only by the sporadic police car zipping across the streets. Stationed at every significant
junction, security personnel were everywhere, blocking all highways leading to the city center.
Near D-Chowk, a well-known gathering spot in Islamabad, there was a substantial military presence
close to important government buildings and thick barricades. The administration was obviously
resolved to stop PTI supporters from arriving in the capital.
The air was charged, almost like a waiting game. The mood started to change as word of the
forthcoming PTI convoys from all throughout the nation—including from Peshawar and Lahore—
spread. Thousands of PTI supporters had already arrived in the city by afternoon; some were headed to
the blocked highways while others gathered in smaller groups close to the Rawalpindi side of the city.
PTI resolved to conduct its "long march" to seek Khan's release, even though the government strictly
forbade demonstrations.
That evening I saw the first indicators of confrontation. Police personnel have been positioned at every
likely point of access to Islamabad. Tear gas and batons greeted PTI supporters as they tried to move
towards D-Chowk. Undeterred by the chemicals in the air, demonstrators pushed on with cries
demanding justice for Imran Khan and smelled smoke all around. Persistent in their chanting of chants
against the government, the demonstrators called the detention of their leader a "political conspiracy.""
Conflicts between PTI supporters and police increased as the evening went on. November 26 saw
worsening conditions. Driven by the remarks of party officials and the appearance of Khan's wife,
Bushra Bibi, the gathering grew bigger and more furious. Early in the morning, I could clearly hear rubber
Bullets and more tear gas are being shot into the throng. The demonstrators still displayed no indications of
withdrawing, though. One demand was the release of Imran Khan, who had been removed from the
government earlier in the year and imprisoned on allegations of corruption and encouraging violence.
The government's attempts to quell the demonstration transcended police presence and barricades.
Certain parts of the city were cut off from Internet and mobile connections, which made it challenging for
reporters and protestors to get in touch. News of around 500 PTI employees being arrested all
throughout the nation—including several well-known party members—spread as the fighting persisted.
Among them were other top figures like PTI's chief whip Aamir Dogar. Though it was quick, the
government's crackdown seemed to inspire the demonstrators even more.
As the PTI supporters pressed ahead despite the hazards, I could see their eyes reflecting frustration and
resolve. Still, the government stayed resolutely in their position. The authorities underlined that the
demonstration broke court orders, which forbade such events, and cautioned that further escalation would
result in much more strict actions.
At D-Chowk, where the demonstration peaked, the scene was disorganized. It felt like a standoff with
hundreds of PTI activists on one side and scores of police officers armed with shields and guns on the
other. In a symbolic gesture of defiance, some demonstrators ascended the police-appointed containers.
As chants of "Release Imran Khan" rang across the streets, the air smelled strongly of burning rubber
and teargas.
Looking at the faces in the throng, I saw that PTI's youthful, energetic fans weren't the only ones present.
Families with young children, seniors, and professionals from many backgrounds had come to
demonstrate their support. Along with advocating for Khan's release, they were supporting what they
considered to be the restoration of democracy and justice.
What really amazed me, though, was the sense of solidarity and will that prevailed in the face of
government attempts to quell the demonstration. More than just a political gathering, this was a scream
for justice, freedom, and the restoration of rights—something many of the demonstrators felt had been
denied them.
Late evening on November 26, the demonstration had not calmed down yet. Police kept running into
protesters, and the total number of arrests kept rising. Frustration, resentment, and a determination that no
police force or tear gas could shatter permeated the streets today. Nonetheless, the narrative still needs to be
finished, as both sides prepare for what might transpire in this high-stakes political conflict.
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