The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) protest against the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to PTI Chairman Imran Khan in multiple cases gained momentum on Tuesday, as PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz reached the protest site outside the apex court.
The protest is being held under the PDM umbrella against the Supreme Court for granting multiple bails to PTI Chairman Imran Khan in multiple cases.
Supreme Court security
Meanwhile, security around the Supreme Court has been put on high alert, and heavy contingents of Rangers and FC have been deputed. Personnel of the Islamabad police are also on duty outside the court. D-Chowk and its surroundings have been blocked with containers.
A traffic plan for entry into the Red Zone has also been issued in the wake of the possible protest.
The traffic police say two out of the five routes leading to the Red Zone are open. They suggest taking the Marriot Hotel or Serena Chowk route for the Red Zone, as the NADRA chowk, Margalla Road and D-Chowk have been closed for traffic.
PDM caravans reach Islamabad
PDM caravans from all over the country have started reaching Islamabad for the protest.
In Peshawar, PDM caravans, including groups of women workers, from nearby areas gathered at the motorway interchange, from where they will travel to Islamabad together.
In Mianwali, the PML-N’s protest convoy departed from Rokhri House under the leadership of the party’s Divisional General Secretary Hamir Hayat Khan Rokhri and District General Secretary Muhammad Ayub Qureshi.
A large number of local office-bearers of the PDM gathered at Hakla Interchange where all the convoys from nearby will assemble and reach Islamabad via the Chine-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
PML-N supporters from Gujranwala have also left for Islamabad. Before their departure, the workers were treated to a rich, traditional breakfast.
Party leaders Khurram Dastgir, Bilal Farooq Tarar, Taufiq Butt are leading the convoys to Islamabad.
While the PPP’s caravan from the city has also departed for the capital.
The PML-N’s supporters and workers from Silakot have also left for Islamabad, joined in by a large number of women.
Meanwhile, the JUI-F’s caravans from the Karak district of Balochistan, led by former MNA Maulana Shah Abdul Aziz, is en route to Islamabad.
JUI-F and PML-N caravans from Sargodha, Nowshera and Hafizabad have also started their journey to Islamabad. The JUI-F caravan from Mingora, Swat is being led by district president Qari Fatehullah.
A caravan of the JUI, PPP, and PML-N workers is also on its way from Swabi under the leadership of Fazal Ali Haqqani.
PDM protesters reach Red Zone
Earlier, the Islamabad police has claimed that protesters have entered the Red Zone, and so far the situation is peaceful, as multiple groups have started to reach the Supreme Court.
The authorities have urged the demonstrators to remain peaceful and cooperate with the police.
PDM protesters have started moving towards the Red Zone from Serena Chowk as the JUI-F workers opened the gate of the intersection.
JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Wasay has also reached Serena Chowk. He insists the protest will be held outside the apex court and the venue will not be changed.
PDM demands resignation of CJP
The PDM is demanding the resignation of Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, alleging that he has been biased in favor of the PTI government.
The PDM has also announced a series of protests across the country, starting with the one in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The PDM is a coalition of opposition parties that was formed in September 2020 to oust the PTI government.
The coalition has been holding rallies and protests against the government, alleging that it has been mismanaging the economy and has failed to provide relief to the people.
Read more: CJP Bandial asks PTI, coalition govt to resume dialogues
The PTI government has dismissed the PDM’s allegations as baseless and has accused the opposition of trying to create chaos in the country.
The government has also said that it is committed to working for the betterment of the people and will not be deterred by the opposition’s protests.
The situation is developing and we will keep you updated.
