Police arrested several Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) workers ahead of their planned sit-in against inflation, taxes, and electricity bills at D-Chowk in the federal capital. In response, JI altered their strategy, directing workers to gather at H-8 Bridge while a convoy led by JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman entered Islamabad.

Express News reported that police blocked all routes to D-Chowk with containers to prevent the sit-in, citing security concerns, and detained several workers in Islamabad.

Police sources indicated that no formal arrests were recorded; individuals were detained to prevent public disorder. No demonstrations had yet reached the press club, where police had stationed vans and personnel.

To stop people from reaching the sit-in, containers were placed at city entry points, and only one lane remained open on major roads, causing long traffic queues and inconvenience for residents.

JI workers blocked one side of Murree Road, threatening to block both sides if routes to D-Chowk were not opened. At H-8 Interchange, workers gathered, some wearing masks of JI leader Hafiz Naeem, chanting slogans against the government.

Also read: ‘Govt still open for talks’: Tarar accuses JI of breaching agreement on sit-in venue

Heavy police presence at H-8 Interchange attempted negotiations with the workers.

JI’s strategy shift included relocating all workers to H-8 Expressway, where sound systems and a stage were set up. Thousands of workers had already gathered, and senior JI leaders started arriving.

Led by Hafiz Naeem, a convoy from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa crossed barriers at Chungi No. 26 to enter Islamabad. Balochistan Assembly member and provincial leader Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch also arrived from Gwadar with supporters.

JI decided to make Liaquat Bagh the first stop for the rally, with workers already there holding a sit-in on Murree Road.

Addressing the crowd at Chungi No. 26, Hafiz Naeem said, “We are here for a peaceful, constitutional struggle for the people. We urge the government to remove these barriers and allow everyone to join the protest. The government’s oppressive tactics can turn this into multiple sit-ins. Do not worry; we are here to stay. Await further instructions.”

This will be updated…