RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called off the protest scheduled at Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh following the intense clashes between PTI supporters and police at different points in Garrison city.
According to the details, the firebrand KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandpur, who was heading the main convey for the protest, has returned to Peshawar following the decision made by PTI leadership to cancel the much-anticipated protest.
Earlier, the Punjab government imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in Rawalpindi Division for two days prohibiting all political gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, protests, and similar activities in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal districts.
Amid the situation, thousands of police officers were deployed at various locations, and containers were placed at all entry and exit points of the city. City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani cancelled the leave of the officers ordering all personnel to be on duty.
According to the sources within the party, PTI central leadership following the consultation with party founder Imran Khan decided to call off the protest after the situation at Burhan Interchange on the M1 motorway, where Ali Amin Gandapur’s convey was halted, escalated.
As per the details, the situation at Burhan Interchange turned into a May-9-like situation, which prompted PTI leadership to announce the cancellation of the protest, saying that “we believe in the peaceful assembly and those who are trying to sabotage the peaceful protest will never succeed.”
Meanwhile, KP government spokesperson Barrister Dr Saif praised Gandapur’s efforts, stating that the chief minister recorded a strong protest today by crossing the Attock border and demonstrating on Punjab soil.
He added, “Despite the obstacles, Gandapur spent five hours confronting the full might of the Punjab and federal administration. After the protest ended, he returned to Peshawar.”
Rawalpindi becomes battleground
Several areas of Rawalpindi, particularly on Murree Road, became battlegrounds with the police firing tear gas at the PTI workers and supporters who gathered to stage the demonstration at Liauqat Bagh.
The area around Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk, and Moti Mahal turned into a battleground after large numbers of PTI supporters tried to move forward by removing the containers placed by the authorities.
Chanting anti-government slogans, the workers removed the barricades and began marching towards the Liaquat Bagh. In response, the police restored teargas shelling to disperse the widespread crowd, leading to violent clashes along Murree Road.
Tear gas shells also landed in nearby homes creating panic among residents. PTI workers retaliated by hurling stones at the police, who responded with more tear gas and rubber bullets to prevent the protesters from reaching the venue.
Daily life cripples in Rawalpindi
Amidst the protest call from the former ruling party, the Rawalpindi district administration has blocked all entry and exit points of the city. Major thoroughfares in the Twin Cities including Muree Road, which is a commercial hub, and Islamabad Expressway have been sealed.
Apart from that, internet service within Rawalpindi has been slowed down and the Metro Bus service has been suspended.