A convoy led by Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan departed from Haripur on Sunday, as part of a protest movement demanding the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan.
The protest is being called a "final call" against the federal government’s alleged oppressive measures.
A couple of hours later, police shelled the convoy led by Ayub at the Punjab-KP border area of Jhand.
Addressing supporters before the convoy’s departure, Mr Ayub claimed that the government’s response to the movement highlights its fear of public dissent.
"The success of our call is evident as the government has disconnected the entire country from Islamabad and Rawalpindi," he said, referring to the closure of major routes and highways.
The Motorway, he alleged, has been shut down under the pretext of repair work to hinder the protesters’ journey. Despite this, Mr Ayub vowed to press ahead, declaring that the protest would continue until the PTI founder is released.
“I congratulate the people of Haripur and Hazara for coming out in such large numbers. Their enthusiasm is a testament to their opposition to the federal government’s actions,” he remarked.
The opposition leader further revealed that convoys from Abbottabad and Haripur will merge en route to Islamabad.
Meanwhile, former federal minister Ali Amin Gandapur has also joined the movement, having departed from Peshawar.
Supporters cheered as Omar Ayub pledged to sustain the protest against what he described as the "atrocities of the federal government." The opposition’s show of strength in Haripur and Hazara, he added, reflects growing public discontent with the government’s policies.
