ISLAMABAD: On the directives of the district administration, the Islamabad police launched a crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers on Sunday evening after the deadline for the party’s highly anticipated rally ended.
The PTI rally, held on the outskirts of Islamabad in the Sangjani locality, began with tight security and multiple caravans arriving from different parts of Pakistan, including one led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. The rally was initially permitted under a no-objection certificate (NOC) after facing two previous postponements.
The rally was meant to demonstrate PTI’s continued support for its jailed leader, Imran Khan. Despite roadblocks and heavy security measures, the gathering proceeded. However, the rally failed to attract a large crowd.
Hammad Azhar and other PTI leaders used the platform to rally support for upcoming movements in Punjab and to advocate for the release of imprisoned PTI leaders. He also signaled the launching of a movement in Punjab and urged party workers to “be ready”.
The former federal minister said that most of PTI’s Punjab leadership is imprisoned, paying tribute to incarcerated leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Umar Sarfraz Cheema.
Addressing the gathering, Sher Afzal Marwat announced plans to mobilize 50,000 supporters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab within a week. “We will enter Punjab with 50,000 people from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within a week,” he said
Sher Afzal Marwat said they will soon hold rallies in Punjab for the release of jailed Imran Khan. He said that they would even set off on foot and face the tear gas.
Meanwhile, party leader Ali Muhammad Khan said they had never thought that Imran Khan would be imprisoned, lamenting that many other PTI leaders, including Qasim Suri, Shehryar Afridi, and Murad Saeed, had been forced to leave the country.
Listing the former ruling party’s demands, Ali Muhammad Khan demanded that those who came to power on the back of Form 47 release the PTI founder.
“When an attempt was made to subvert the Supreme Court and judiciary under the guise of legislation, Imran Khan urged people to take to the streets,” Ali Muhammad Khan said.
However, tensions escalated as the rally’s official deadline of 7 pm ended. The Islamabad district administration had notified PTI about the time limit, warning that any violation would lead to action. As the deadline ended, police began enforcing the NOC’s terms, turning off loudspeakers and closing entry points into the city.
The enforcement led to clashes between PTI workers and the police. Protesters pelted stones at law enforcement, resulting in injuries to several officers, including Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shoaib Khan.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed concern for the injured officers and instructed authorities to provide them with medical care. Additional forces were deployed to Chungi No 26, the site where the clashes initially erupted.
Earlier, police found a suspicious bag near the rally venue containing a hand grenade, detonator, and other explosive materials. The bomb disposal squad was called to handle the situation, and an investigation is ongoing.
Authorities have directed police to remain vigilant and ensure that all personnel are fully equipped. They also emphasized that mobile phones should not be used during duty hours to maintain security.
