Clashes erupt between PTI protesters, police at D-Chowk as heavy rain lashes Islamabad

DPM Dar says protests intended to create chaos and undermine Pakistan's diplomatic efforts

The federal capital witnessed ongoing clashes between the police and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists at D-Chowk on Saturday. Following heavy rainfall, which diminished the effects of tear gas, a large number of protesters surged towards D-Chowk, prompting police to detain several activists from Jinnah Avenue.

According to Express News, PTI protesters organised in convoys to reach the protest site, leading to intermittent skirmishes with police. Many activists advanced towards D-Chowk, pushing back law enforcement agencies, but were met with intense tear gas shelling that forced them to retreat.

The confrontations, which began in the morning, involved protesters throwing stones and retaliating against police actions. Earlier, demonstrators successfully removed obstacles to advance towards D-Chowk.

A convoy of 800 PTI activists from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) entered Rawalpindi, where enraged individuals set a crane and a motorcycle on fire at Chungi Number 26.

The back-and-forth between police and PTI workers continued for an extended period on Jinnah Avenue, with police deploying tear gas and rubber bullets. Due to a shortage of tear gas, PTI activists took the opportunity to advance, resulting in clashes where protesters pelted stones and used slingshots against the police.

Meanwhile, a significant police and Rangers contingent arrived at K-P House to detain Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, bringing along a prisoner transport vehicle. Reports surfaced of Gandapur's arrest, though he has reportedly not yet been apprehended while his mobile phone was said to be turned off.

PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai confirmed that the CM was still at the K-P House where he presented demands to the administration, including the immediate release of the party's founder and addressing grievances related to ongoing injustices.

Protesters close in on D-Chowk

Meanwhile, PTI activists advanced past China Chowk and neared D-Chowk, prompting police to order the removal of media vehicles from the area.

Renewed clashes erupted at China Chowk as police began shelling again, leading to chaotic scenes at D-Chowk where protesters set fire to trees. Police retaliated with tear gas, forcing them back toward China Chowk.

Rangers were deployed to manage the situation and regain control of D-Chowk, dispersing the PTI demonstrators. However, heavy rain in Islamabad brought relief to the protesters, alleviating the effects of tear gas. During the confrontation, a journalist from a private TV channel was injured due to police shelling and rubber bullets.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar condemned PTI's protests, stating that the timing of their actions was unfortunate and aimed at damaging Pakistan's international standing. He stressed the need for unity and responsibility at a time when the country is hosting the SCO summit.

Dar argued that the protests were intended to create chaos and undermine Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, highlighting the importance of focusing on national stability over narrow political interests.