PTI leaders slam govt’s bids to hinder rally as many cops hurt in clashes with workers

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) public rally is taking place in Sangjani area of the federal capital on Sunday, however the party violated deadline for the rally from 4pm to 7pm.

Following directives from the district administration, police initiated a crackdown as the rally continued, with key PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reached the meeting rally late.

PTI leader Hammad Azhar opened the rally, criticizing the government’s attempts to hinder the event, saying it demonstrated their fear of imprisoned PTI leader Imran Khan and his supporters. He also signaled plans to launch a movement in Punjab, urging party workers to prepare. Azhar paid tribute to incarcerated PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Umar Sarfraz Cheema.

Sher Afzal Marwat, another PTI leader, vowed to hold rallies in Punjab for Imran Khan’s release and to uphold the rule of law, stating that they would march into the province with 50,000 supporters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, even if they had to face tear gas.

Muhammad Ali Khan, another speaker, expressed disbelief that Imran Khan had been jailed and lamented the forced exile of other PTI leaders such as Qasim Suri and Shehryar Afridi. He called for the release of Imran Khan and demanded the restoration of constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.

The event began under tight security as PTI supporters gathered at the Sangjani venue. Multiple caravans, led by Gandapur, navigated roadblocks to reach the site. The rally, which had been postponed twice due to authorities revoking permission, was allowed to proceed after a no-objection certificate (NOC) was issued earlier in the week. The delays had drawn criticism from within the party for not being able to hold the public gathering as planned.

On the morning of the rally, the Islamabad administration heightened security and blocked several key roads, citing the newly passed “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024,” signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari just a day before the event.

As the rally progressed, the Islamabad administration issued a notice reminding PTI to conclude the event by 7 pm, warning that failure to do so would be a violation of the NOC. Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon stated that authorities would take action if the rally exceeded the time limit. Entry points into the city would be closed, and loudspeakers and microphones would be turned off after the deadline.

When the rally continued past the deadline, police were ordered to take action. PTI workers responded by throwing stones at the police, injuring several officers, including Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shoaib Khan. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi contacted the injured officers and instructed authorities to provide the best medical care.

Additional security forces were deployed to Chungi No. 26, where the clashes between PTI workers and police began. Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, an advisor to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, criticized the police for excessive use of tear gas and accused the government of deliberately obstructing roads to disrupt the rally.

Earlier in the day, police recovered a suspicious bag near the rally site containing a hand grenade, detonator, electric wires, and explosives. The bomb disposal squad was dispatched, and an investigation is ongoing. Authorities instructed police officers to remain within their jurisdiction, be fully equipped, and avoid using mobile phones during duty hours.

A heavy security presence, including police, Rangers, and paramilitary forces, was stationed at the rally venue and throughout Islamabad to maintain order.