Administration stops PTI rally in its tracks

Law enforcers resort to teargas, demonstrators reply with stones

QUETTA:

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faced resistance from the Quetta district administration as it attempted to hold a public meeting in the city, citing concerns over law and order and traffic disruption. On Friday, PTI workers gathered in large numbers on Zarghoon Road, intending to march to the planned venue, but were met with police forces determined to maintain order.

The administration had earlier denied permission for the rally, warning of potential chaos and severe traffic jams across the city. Despite the warning, PTI supporters persisted, leading to confrontations with the police.

As police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, PTI workers retaliated by throwing stones, escalating tensions further.

Baton-wielding police officers secured the red zone area around the city, aiming to prevent any breach by the protesting PTI supporters. Clashes erupted, and PTI supporters staged demonstrations near Hockey Chowk and Koala Phatak, expressing their frustration with the government's decision to prohibit their gathering.

Dawood Shah Kakar, the PTI Balochistan Chief, voiced his disapproval, stating, "It is our democratic right to hold a peaceful public meeting. We demand that the administration respect our right to assemble and allow us to proceed."

The Quetta district administration, however, maintained its stance, with an official spokesperson explaining, "Due to the current law and order situation, along with the worst traffic jam in the city, we cannot permit the gathering as it poses a risk to public safety and daily commuters."

Traffic in the city was severely affected, with significant delays reported as the protest spread across central areas. Local residents, already frustrated by congestion, expressed concern over the political unrest disrupting their routines.

The situation remains tense, with authorities closely monitoring developments to avoid further escalation.