Government ministers mock PTI leaders as protests escalate in Islamabad

Government ministers criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and former first lady Bushra Bibi for allegedly fleeing during a crackdown on PTI protesters in Islamabad. The protests aimed to demand the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, amid reports of heavy tear gas use by security forces. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the area around D-Chowk was cleared and emphasized the need to restore normalcy in the capital. Meanwhile, the PTI denied claims of their leaders fleeing, labeling the reports as "fake news" and asserting that protests continued despite police actions. The Islamabad administration extended school closures due to ongoing unrest, while the Pakistan Army was deployed to maintain order. The situation escalated with reports of violence, including fatalities among law enforcement personnel, as both sides exchanged accusations regarding the protests.