PTI's protest call falls flat in Rawalpindi as police arrest 10 workers at Committee Chowk

RAWALPINDI:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) call for district-level protests across the country following Friday prayers largely failed in Rawalpindi, with only a small group of workers gathering at Committee Chowk.

Despite heightened security measures, no significant protests were recorded elsewhere in the city or surrounding areas.

At Committee Chowk, around 30 to 40 PTI supporters attempted to stage a protest but were swiftly dispersed when police launched a crackdown. Ten workers were arrested, while others fled into nearby streets. The protest was in response to PTI's call to demonstrate against potential constitutional amendments and restrictions on meeting the party's founder, Imran Khan.

“Although there were not large numbers, our workers did reach Committee Chowk, and some were arrested,” PTI leader Shehryar Riaz said. He added, “Many of our workers are already detained, but we remain disciplined and recorded our protest wherever possible.”

Rawalpindi, like other cities in Punjab, was under Section 144, which prohibits gatherings and protests. Anticipating significant protests, police had stationed containers and barriers at major roads and intersections across the city. However, by midday, many roads were reopened as the expected large-scale protests did not materialise.

Despite the low turnout, security forces remained on alert. Police, under the leadership of SSP Operations Hafiz Kamran Asghar, conducted a flag march across Rawalpindi and the cantonment areas to display their preparedness for any unrest.

PTI had initially planned nationwide protests in response to Khan’s imprisonment and the constitutional amendment discussions. The party condemned what they described as the "mistreatment" of their leader, who remains in Adiala Jail, and demanded that his legal and personal rights be restored.

In Rawalpindi, PTI’s local leadership acknowledged the limited turnout but defended the protest, insisting that the movement continues despite obstacles.