PTI defies protest ban, clashes with police
PTI protesters, responding to a call from their leader Imran Khan, hit the streets in Rawalpindi on Saturday, igniting intense clashes with police that turned the city into a battleground.
A sense of foreboding and tension hung in the air in the garrison city as the embattled party prepared for a protest in Rawalpindi with Section 144 in effect, echoing recent clashes that marred its power shows amid mounting obstacles.
Following a day marked by chaos and unrest, the PTI announced new protest dates, bringing its Rawalpindi demonstrations to a close after the confrontations with law enforcement.
In a bid to curb the protest, Rawalpindi police blocked entry points to the city, thwarting attempts by PTI workers to gather at Liaquat Bagh, which had been designated as the protest venue.
The party's plans shifted after Imran Khan indicated that the government would not allow them to hold their rally in the city and instead designated a location in the suburbs.
In an effort to stifle PTI's actions, the provincial government banned all public gatherings and deployed paramilitary forces throughout Rawalpindi.
The atmosphere from Murree Road's Mareer Chowk to Chandni Chowk descended into chaos as tear gas shelling and skirmishes erupted, disrupting the peace and sparking fears among residents.
Amid the turmoil, Punjab Police detained PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and leader Salman Akram Raja near the H-13 area while en route to Rawalpindi. Gohar was released shortly thereafter, but Salman Akram Raja remains in custody.
After their confrontation with police, Gohar stated that they were stopped at H-13 and instructed to turn back after a disagreement, effectively blocking their path to Rawalpindi.
In a show of solidarity, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram delivered a video statement, congratulating party workers for their bravery in the face of police shelling and "straight firing."
He commended them for overcoming barriers and moving containers.
"I want to congratulate every PTI leader, worker, and stakeholder who made it to Liaquat Bagh today," Waqas said. He announced plans for large protests in Multan, Mianwali, and Faisalabad on October 2, stressing, "It is your duty to come out."
In a separate press conference, Waqas lambasted the Punjab government for the obstacles imposed on the PTI, alleging that expired ammunition was used during the shelling on the party's supporters and workers.
Clashes
The use of tear gas throughout the day caused considerable distress, with canisters falling into nearby homes and impacting residents, including women and children, who found themselves caught in the crossfire of political dissent.
Media personnel covering the protests were also not spared from the chaos, as they faced the brunt of the police action aimed at dispersing the crowd.
However, despite the government's heavy-handed efforts to quell the unrest, PTI members remained undeterred. However, around 7:30 pm, following instructions from PTI's central leadership, the protest officially came to a close.
After the announcement, PTI leaders and workers dispersed peacefully.
Once the protest ended, blockades placed on key routes, including the M1 and M2 motorways, were removed, and traffic flow returned to normal.