On Sunday ,PTI rally in Islamabad turned violent as clashes with police erupted, leading to injuries and widespread criticism.
PTI held rally on the outskirts of Islamabad, demanding the immediate release of their founder, Imran Khan, and criticizing the government for marginalizing the party.
Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August. While appeals against his conviction in the Iddat case were accepted, raising hopes of his release, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested him on fresh charges related to the Toshakhana case. His earlier Toshakhana sentences were suspended, and he was acquitted in the cipher case.
During the rally, Hammad Azhar emphasized the PTI’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Ali Muhammad Khan demanded Imran Khan’s release and voiced frustration over the absence of key party members.
Sher Afzal Khan Marwat announced plans for further protests in Punjab, while Aliya Hamza Malik urged the public to take a stand for Khan’s release.
As the rally extended past its permitted time of 4 pm to 7 pm, clashes broke out between PTI supporters and police, who used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Safe City Shoaib Khan was injured during the clashes.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi requested a detailed report on the incident and ensured medical care for the injured officers.
Senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser denounced the blockades and police measures as “fascist” and accused the government of defying court orders.
Hammad Azhar condemned the police intervention, calling it excessive.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, chairman of Awaam Pakistan, defended the right to protest and called for learning from past mistakes.
Senior PTI member Dr. Arif Alvi labeled the police response as “shameful and cruel.”
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, however, claimed the rally was rejected by the public and accused PTI of spreading misinformation, stressing that rallies must adhere to designated time limits.
The rally, which had been postponed twice due to security concerns, faced delays and blockades by the local administration.
Entry points to Islamabad were heavily secured due to a perceived terrorism threat. Despite these challenges, PTI adapted by instructing workers to reach the venue individually to avoid police action.
Meanwhile Islamabad and Rawalpindi , which had seen a temporary disruption due to the political gathering, have resumed regular activities as business life picks up once again.