PTI convoy tear gassed near Rawalpindi

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters torch a crane and motorcycle near Chungi No. 26, assault policemen with stones.

A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) convoy led by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, heading towards Islamabad’s D-Chowk for a protest has faced intense police action as it approached Rawalpindi.

The police resorted to heavy tear gas shelling to disperse the protesters, Express News reported.

The incident escalated at Chungi No. 26, where PTI supporters set a crane and a motorcycle on fire.

The protest, a part of PTI's ongoing agitation, has seen violent confrontations between law enforcement and participants. Protesters have assaulted police with stones and hurled tear gas shells back at security forces

Meanwhile the situation in Taxila's Thatta Khalil area, also remains tense as police continue their shelling.

PTI supporters have managed to break through barricades at Pather Garh Katti Pahari after fierce resistance.

The main convoy is focused on clearing the remaining obstacles while foot marchers follow closely behind.

Reports indicate that 800 PTI workers have entered Rawalpindi’s boundaries. Meanwhile, army troops have been stationed behind the protestors to manage the unrest, and Gandapur’s convoy is expected to halt for the night at Bahtar before proceeding.

Tightened security measures in place

Law enforcement agencies have ramped up security efforts to maintain peace and prevent any disruption to public order across key cities.

Under Section 144, public gatherings, political rallies, and demonstrations are strictly prohibited to ensure the safety of citizens and protect property.

These restrictions are set to remain in effect in Lahore from October 3 to October 8, while in Rawalpindi, Attock, and Sargodha, the ban will be enforced until October 6.

To further strengthen security, the Punjab government has called in the Rangers, deploying three companies in Lahore and four companies each in Rawalpindi and Attock, in a bid to maintain order and prevent any potential unrest.

Non-Bailable warrants issued for Ali Amin Gandapur's arrest once again

A district court in Islamabad issued has non-bailable arrest warrants for K-P CM Gandapur in a case involving the recovery of illegal weapons and alcohol, court officials confirmed.

The Islamabad District and Sessions Court heard the case, which was filed against Gandapur in the Bahara Kahu police station, Express News reported.

Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hussain Zaidi presided over the hearing.

Gandapur, who has been summoned to court multiple times, failed to appear once again. In response, the court issued non-bailable warrants for his arrest, ordering authorities to ensure his presence at the next hearing.

The case, which centres around the alleged recovery of illegal weapons and alcohol, has now been adjourned until October 12. The court directed law enforcement to arrest Gandapur and present him before the court on that date.

The warrant came in connection with a liquor and arms recovery case from 2016 when police had recovered weapons and liquor from Gandapur’s car outside the residence of then PTI chairman Imran Khan as he came to attend the party’s planned lockdown of the capital.

The provincial minister came in a motorcade along with 300-plus PTI workers. When they reached Banigala, the police blocked them off and told them they were violating a ban on rallies and gatherings under Section 144 before directing them to disperse.

When the PTI supporters accompanying Gandapur refused to disperse, the police began arresting them.

In the meantime, Gandapur got out of his car and ran into the adjacent forest. The police said they found a man sitting in Gandapur’s SUV (APL-16) holding a teargas gun. The man was identified as Allah Nawaz, a resident of DI Khan – Gandapur’s hometown.

While searching the car, the police recovered a sealed bottle of high-end whisky, a bulletproof vest, two submachine guns, ammunition, and two number plates (YH-115).

The police claim that the weapons were unlicensed, while the PTI leader claims they were licensed weapons and belonged to his security guards. He claimed the whisky bottle had honey in it.