Sit-In Concludes After Lengthy Talks
A nine-hour sit-in on Adiala Road in Rawalpindi ended late on Monday after police officials and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders held successful negotiations. The sisters of the PTI founder led the demonstration at the Factory Naka point, where several party workers had gathered since morning.
The protesters demanded clarity on the PTI founder’s legal situation. They also called for easier access for family members. PTI has raised similar concerns during recent rallies and press conferences.
Protesters Remain in Harsh Winter Cold
The bitter winter cold did not discourage supporters. Temperatures fell to near single digits, yet many people still sat on the road for hours. The PTI founder’s sisters, including Aleema Khan, have issued strong public statements during such protests, emphasizing urgency and public mobilization (read full statement here). They chanted slogans and urged authorities to address their concerns.
Adiala Road is a busy route that connects central Rawalpindi with the area around Adiala Jail. The road often faces heavy traffic, so any demonstration on this stretch quickly draws media attention. The PTI founder has remained in custody at Adiala Jail, which has kept the area under constant political focus.
Agreement Reached After Detailed Discussions
Police officials and PTI representatives held several rounds of discussions through the afternoon. Both sides explored ways to reduce tension and avoid confrontation. After they reached an agreement, the protesters began leaving the sit-in site.
The sisters of the PTI founder thanked supporters before departing. Police then cleared the remaining crowd and reopened the road to traffic. Commuters, who had faced long delays, reported immediate relief.
Mediators Help Bridge the Gap
Several prominent figures took part in the negotiations. Senator Allama Nasir Abbas, lawyer Salman Akram Raja and PTI leader Shahid Khattak remained present throughout the talks. They relayed messages between the protesters and the authorities and encouraged both sides to stay calm.
These leaders have played similar roles in recent months. They often assist in legal and political matters involving the PTI founder. Their presence added weight to the dialogue and helped ease concerns among the protesters.
Increasing Frequency of PTI Protests
PTI has organised a series of demonstrations across Pakistan during the past year. Many of them focus on legal issues facing the party’s top leadership. Supporters argue that they want transparent legal proceedings and fair access to their detained leader. Monday’s gathering followed the same pattern but remained peaceful.
Analysts say these protests reflect the ongoing tension between PTI and state institutions. They note that such events highlight the country’s charged political atmosphere, where supporters often respond quickly to calls for mobilisation.
Temporary Calm but Uncertain Path Ahead
PTI leaders said they will continue to raise their concerns through legal and political channels. They did not rule out more protests if authorities fail to address key issues. For now, the calm on Adiala Road offers a brief pause in a tense environment.
Police have not released details of the agreement that led to the sit-in’s end. However, officials expressed relief that the protest concluded without clashes. Residents in nearby areas also welcomed the peaceful outcome.
As Pakistan navigates a complex political season, Monday’s sit-in shows how even small gatherings can gain national attention. It also highlights the fragile balance between public protest, political pressure and state response.
