PTI calls off protest after violent clashes with Punjab Police

After violent clashes with the Punjab Police in Rawalpindi, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf decided to call off their demonstration on Saturday. PTI Chairman Barrister Ali Gohar declared it over, instructing workers to return home immediately

Earlier Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh turned into a battleground after clashes erupted between supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Punjab police. The police fired tear gas on PTI supporters and blocked their entry by placing containers throughout the city.

The Punjab government’s attempt to prevent PTI workers from reaching Liaquat Bagh escalated the situation. Some protestors retaliated by hurling stones at the police and removing barricades.

While the Punjab Government believes that due to the imposition of Section 144, the supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had no right to protest in the area, the PTI workers argue it’s their right to hold a peaceful demonstration.

Tensions rose further as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy approached Rawalpindi via the highway. Punjab Police fired tear gas on the convoy at Attock bridge, turning the area into a conflict zone.

Punjab Police fired tear gas at KPK Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy as it approached RawalpindiNukta

Key PTI leaders arrested

In an attempt to subdue the protestors, the Punjab Police arrested key PTI leaders including Chairman PTI Barrister Ali Gohar and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. Both were arrested in Sector H13 before they could join the protesters at Liaquat Bagh.

The detainment of key leaders worsened the situation for the party whose many supporters had already been detained during overnight door-to-door raids. Their arrest was a result of Interior Ministry Punjab’s decision to impose Section 144 and deploy a heavy police force.

PTI Information Secretary condemned the excessive use of tear gas and lathi chargesNukta

Civilians and media personnel were also affected by the protest

While PTI workers and the police clashed, civilians and media personnel were also caught in the crossfire. Be it the widespread use of tear gas, the blockage of roads or the use of jammers to disrupt internet connectivity, residents and passers by both faced difficulties in carrying on with their everyday lives.

Some citizens faced difficulties due to the partial suspension of the metrobus service, while others stuck in the crossfire were unable to contact their families.

Passersby who happened to be in the area were affected by the tear gas. Even access to hospitals was hindered, especially for patients and those injured in the protests.

Residents and passers by both faced difficulties in carrying on with their everyday lives.Nukta

PTI leaders have always taught peace: Information Secretary

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Information Secretary Waqas Akram Sheikh addressed a press conference in Islamabad where he claimed that due to Punjab Government’s use of excessive force, the peaceful protest turned into a battleground.

He emphasized PTI’s commitment to respecting the constitution and the law and claimed that if his party members were allowed to gather at the Liaquat Bagh, things wouldn’t have gone to this position. He condemned the excessive use of force, including road blockages, torture of innocent people, and the use of tear gas and lathi charges.

He said the worst practice was that the police were using expired tear gas shells on peaceful protesters.