Police fire tear gas at PTI workers as arrests climb to over 30 in D-Chowk crackdown

Clashes erupt between Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa convoy and police at Burhan Interchange

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters began gathering at Islamabad’s D-Chowk on Friday, prompting police to fire tear gas in an effort to disperse them. According to reports, four more PTI workers were arrested at the scene, bringing the total number of arrests at D-Chowk to six. Nationwide, over 30 PTI members have been detained in various locations.

In response to the PTI protest, authorities sealed all routes leading into Islamabad, effectively cutting off access from Rawalpindi. At the Burhan Interchange, clashes erupted between the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) convoy and the police, with tear gas used to control the situation. Several PTI workers were arrested at the scene.

Islamabad police confirmed that three individuals were arrested from D-Chowk, including two civilians and one PTI supporter. Tear gas was used to push back the protesters, who retaliated by chanting slogans against the police.

In Rawalpindi, key roads, including Murree Road, have been blocked for 16 hours, causing severe disruption. Public transport is off the roads, and even motorcyclists are facing difficulties due to the containers and barricades.

Despite heavy security, a female PTI supporter managed to reach D-Chowk, where she shouted slogans in favour of PTI and against the government. Her arrival sparked chaos among the police, who swiftly detained her and moved her to the station.

Several major roads, including Cheering Cross, MH Chowk, and Mall Road in Saddar, have been sealed from both sides, while other key points in Rawalpindi, such as Flashman Road, Marrir Chowk, and Double Road Stadium, remain closed.

Rawalpindi’s City Traffic Police have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel due to the ongoing unrest. Motorcycle access is permitted on major roads linking the twin cities, but entry into Islamabad’s Red Zone remains completely blocked.

Amidst the blockade, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) assured that domestic and international flights would continue as scheduled. Passengers are advised to plan their airport journeys carefully, using alternative routes.

In Punjab, Section 144 has been imposed in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Sargodha, with a ban on political gatherings, protests, and demonstrations. Rangers have been deployed in Rawalpindi, Attock, and Lahore to maintain law and order during the protests.

Rawalpindi Metro Bus services remain suspended, and double-riding on motorcycles is prohibited across the city. Islamabad police continue to enforce Section 144, urging citizens not to engage in illegal activities.

For those travelling to or from Islamabad, authorities recommend keeping updated with traffic advisories. The situation remains tense, with security on high alert as PTI protests continue to unfold across the region.

Heavy police deployment at 26 Number Chungi

Islamabad police have strengthened their presence at the 26 Number Chungi area, as protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) escalate across the city.

According to reports, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Headquarters arrived at the location with an additional 300 officers, bringing the total police force in the area to 750, under the supervision of Islamabad’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations. The police have been equipped with 2,000 tear gas shells, 12-bore guns, and rubber bullets to control the situation.

Despite the heavy security, no PTI workers managed to reach the 26 Number Chungi from morning until 7pm.

IG Islamabad visits security forces

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Ali Nasir, visited the site and met with personnel from the Rangers, police, and Anti-Terrorism Squad, boosting the morale of the deployed forces.

Islamabad police are equipped with anti-riot gear, and Rangers have been stationed to assist. Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel are also supporting Islamabad police in securing the area.

Firing of tear gas at Faizabad troubles residents

In Rawalpindi, continuous tear gas firing by police at Faizabad has caused severe distress among local residents. Tear gas shells were fired into residential areas along the Expressway, with families experiencing breathing difficulties due to the heavy shelling.

Protesters clash with police on Murree Road

As evening approached, PTI protesters hiding in alleyways emerged, chanting slogans. In response, Rawalpindi police fired tear gas on Murree Road to disperse them.

Clashes on Motorway M-1

A PTI convoy from Peshawar reached Katti Pahari near the M-1 Motorway, where Attock police fired tear gas from the bridge and hilltop. Protesters retaliated by throwing stones, turning the area into a battleground. The police parked containers and trucks, deflating their tyres to block the road and hinder the protesters.

City Police Officer (CPO) of Rawalpindi, Khalid Hamdani, led a large police force to the Rawalpindi-Attock boundary. The force, including Elite Force and Dolphin squads, is stationed at the Taxila point, ready to confront the advancing PTI convoy.

Journalist beaten by police in Rawalpindi

In a separate incident, Islamabad police severely beat Dawn News journalist Tahir Nasir while he was covering the protests. The police allegedly took his wallet under the pretext of checking his ID card, slapped him, and beat him with a rifle butt. There was also an attempt to snatch his mobile phone.

Tensions rise on Jinnah Avenue

Meanwhile, PTI workers and police clashed on Jinnah Avenue in Islamabad. The police fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse the protesters, who retreated towards China Chowk. Some PTI workers used slingshots to fire glass marbles at the police. Two armoured vehicles of Islamabad police were deployed to the scene.

The situation in Islamabad and Rawalpindi remains tense as the protests continue.

This will be updated...