By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - In a dramatic turn of events, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced the conclusion of its protest in Islamabad as tensions reached a boiling point in the capital. Over 900 party workers and supporters were detained in a sweeping crackdown by law enforcement, adding fuel to the already tense political climate.

The day began with Islamabad under heavy security lockdown. PTI's leadership, including key figures, condemned the government's actions, accusing it of suppressing democratic rights. Streets were lined with protesters waving party flags and chanting slogans, but the growing number of arrests dampened morale and escalated fears among participants.

Among the high-profile developments, Ali Amin Gandapur, a senior PTI leader, and Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI chairman Imran Khan, reportedly left the capital and reached Mansehra. Their move raised eyebrows, sparking speculation about a shift in PTI’s strategy or possible safety concerns.

As the day progressed, PTI leadership decided to call off the Islamabad protest. The decision was framed as a tactical retreat, with leaders emphasizing that the fight for their cause was far from over. They promised their supporters a "new wave of resistance" and vowed to continue their struggle through alternative means until release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The crackdown and subsequent dispersal of the protest left the city eerily quiet but politically charged. Analysts suggest that the arrests and leadership movements signify a deepening rift between the PTI and the government, with both sides preparing for the next phase of confrontation.

For PTI supporters, the day ended with frustration but also a renewed determination. For the government, it was a show of force aimed at maintaining control in the face of growing dissent. As the dust settles on Islamabad, the political storm in Pakistan seems far from over.