A protest sit-in organised by Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) at Chungi Number 26 in Islamabad came to an end after successful negotiations between party leaders and Islamabad police. The blockade had caused massive traffic disruption across the capital for nearly six hours before roads were reopened and traffic flow was fully restored.
The protest was staged in support of former prime minister Imran Khan, who recently underwent a medical examination at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. According to officials, the demonstration was peacefully dispersed after discussions between PTI representatives and police authorities resulted in an agreement to clear the route.
During the protest, long queues of vehicles were seen across several major roads, leaving commuters stranded for hours. The traffic situation gradually returned to normal after PTI workers vacated the area.
Speaking to the media, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi criticised authorities for preventing him and his cabinet members from meeting Imran Khan at the jail. He termed the restrictions “discriminatory” and said the party had remained peaceful throughout the protest.
Afridi stated that Imran Khan’s access to family members, lawyers, and personal doctors was a basic human right. He also claimed that the jailed PTI founder was suffering from a serious eye condition and should be allowed medical treatment at a hospital of his choice.
The chief minister further added that the PTI founder had shown political tolerance during his tenure and the party was now demanding only constitutional and humanitarian rights for him and other detained leaders.
Imran Khan has remained imprisoned since August 2023 in multiple legal cases that he insists are politically motivated. Several convictions linked to state gifts and other charges have either been suspended or challenged in courts, while hearings in additional cases are still underway.
Afridi also reaffirmed that the KP government was focused on improving law and order, restoring peace in the province, and continuing political efforts for the release of PTI leadership.
