RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called off the protest scheduled at Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh today after the district administration container-sieged the city to stop the party supporters from reaching the venture.
Firebrand Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has returned to Peshawar after leading a convey to the Rawalpinid.
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 have been deployed at various locations. City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani cancelled the leave of the officers ordering all personnel to be on duty.
PTI earlier announced holding a rally on Saturday in Rawalpindi but later on the directions of party founder Imran Khan, it turned into a demonstration prompting city administration to take strict security measures.
On the recommendations of the district administration, four companies of Rangers in Rawalpindi and two in Attock have been deployed to assist the local police. The Ministry of Interior has deployed the troops at the request of the Punjab Home Department.
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.
Police have placed containers in 25 places across Rawalpindi including Faizabad Interchange, Kacha Stop, Gulzar-e-Quaid, Shamsabad, Faizabad, IJP Road, Double Road, Kattarian Bridge, Pandora Chowk, and Khanna Bridge.
In Islamabad, locations including T Chowk, Korral, Khanna, Faizabad, IJP Junction, 26 Number, Golra Mor, B-17, and Margalla Cut on GT Road will be completely sealed.
However, Islamabad Expressway and Faizabad flyover are open for traffic along with Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Road, previously known as IJP Road.
PTI workers, leadership arrested
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja were released after their brief detention on Saturday.
Earlier, Rawalpindi police arrested Barrister Gohar and Salman Akram Raja from the H-13 sector while they were on their way to Rawalpindi, where the former ruling party announced a protest.
In another development, police arrested PTI local leader Seemabia Tahir and MPA Tanveer Aslam amid the crackdown against party workers and leaders for violating Section 144 imposed in the Rawalpindi Divison on Saturday and Sunday.
سول کپڑوں میں ملبوس افراد اور پولیس نے ایم پی اے تنویر اسلم راجہ اور محترمہ سیمابیہ طاہر کو گرفتار کیا
عوام کا نمائندہ ہوں، تمہیں تھپڑ مارنا مہنگا پڑے گا، ٹٹو
ایم پی اے تنویر اسلم راجہ کی گرفتاری کے وقت گفتگو@PTIofficial @InsafPK @OmarAyubKhan pic.twitter.com/Kq8YzIjwBf— Tanveer Aslam Raja (MPA) (@TanveerAslamPTI) September 28, 2024
On the other hand, Rawalpindi police spokesperson said that the city was on “high-alert” and police personnel were deployed at the city’s entry and exit points.
The spokesperson reiterated that no illegal public gathering was allowed at any place in Rawalpindi, warning of strict action in case of violation.
