RAWALPINDI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur returned to Peshawar after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Rawalpindi was called off. The protest, held near Liaquat Bagh, ended in violent clashes between PTI supporters and riot police.
The convoy led by Gandapur was stuck at Burhan Interchange for several hours due to roadblocks. Authorities had placed containers on the roads to stop the PTI protest from reaching its destination. Addressing the protesters, Gandapur criticized the government for denying PTI its “constitutional right” to protest.
He condemned the police for using tear gas and rubber bullets against the protesters. He vowed to return “with full force” next time, saying, “They have fired bullets, we also have guns.”
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Protesters Demand Gandapur’s Resignation
However, Gandapur’s decision to call off the protest met strong opposition from the crowd. PTI workers refused to leave and demanded Gandapur’s resignation. They surrounded his vehicle and chanted slogans against the party leadership.
PTI leader Azam Swati had to intervene to calm the situation. He told the crowd that the protest was called off on the orders of PTI founder Imran Khan. “We must follow his instructions,” Swati said, urging the protesters to disperse peacefully.
Clashes with Police
Earlier, clashes broke out between PTI workers and police near Liaquat Bagh. PTI supporters tried to push through police barricades and remove containers blocking their way. The police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
The violent clashes spread along Murree Road. PTI supporters threw stones and glass bottles at the police. The law enforcers responded by firing more tear gas and using batons to control the situation. Several PTI leaders, including Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema, Naureen, and Uzma Khan, were present during the confrontation.
Journalist Attacked by Police
During the chaos, Geo News reporter Haider Sherazi was beaten by local police while covering the protest. Sherazi repeatedly introduced himself as a journalist, but the officers ignored him. They beat him along with other reporters and confiscated their mobile phones. Sherazi suffered injuries to his head and face and was briefly detained by the police.
Tight Security in Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi police had imposed strict security measures ahead of the planned protest. The Punjab government enforced Section 144 in the Rawalpindi division, banning all public gatherings. City Police Officer Khalid Hamdani ordered all police personnel to be on duty, canceling any leaves. Four companies of Rangers were also called in to assist the police in maintaining order.
Key areas of Rawalpindi, including Liaquat Bagh, Faizabad, Shamsabad, and Murree Road, were sealed off. Major roads leading into the city were blocked with containers. The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus service was also suspended, adding to the disruption.
Despite these efforts, protesters managed to gather in significant numbers, causing tensions to rise throughout the city. The PTI had originally planned a rally but scaled it down to a demonstration on Imran Khan’s orders. As tensions escalate, Rawalpindi remains on high alert for future protests.
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