Tensions flared across Punjab and in the capital city of Islamabad as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers clashed with police authorities during protests in multiple cities, resulting in arrests and violent confrontations.
PTI workers pelted police personnel with stones at Faizabad while attempting to enter Islamabad. Due to heavy police deployment, the PTI protesters failed to achieve their objectives and ended up pelting police with stones.
Police have said no miscreant will be allowed to take law into their own hands. Action will be taken against the miscreants as per law, and they will be dealt with with iron hands, they added.
In Gujranwala's Tatlay Aali area, former PTI MNA Bilal Ijaz joined party workers in their march on Islamabad in violation of Section 144. As the police attempted to block their way, the workers started thrashing them and forced them to flee from the spot to save their lives.
Police, however, managed to arrest six workers and shift them to the local station. PTI Central Punjab President Rana Bilal Ijaz and the district president reportedly escaped from police custody during the chaos.
In Attock, the convoy of PTI workers reaching motorway M-1 from Ghazi started pelting stones with police right in the front. The PTI workers also lit a fire on the motorway, as the authorities issued warnings against such acts.
It is suspected that the chaos will escalate once Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur's convoy arrives.
Meanwhile, on the Faisalabad-Sargodha Road, PTI workers pelted police with stones near the interchange. Over 400 individuals, including an MPA, were arrested on charges of violating Section 144 and resorting to stone-pelting. A heavy contingent of police was summoned to Sargodha Road to control the situation.
In Dera Ismail Khan, similar clashes occurred at the Isakhel Interchange, where the police force fired tear gas shells at PTI workers, who attacked the law enforcers. Police were forced to retreat and run for their lives.
Also Read: Multiple PTI lawmakers, workers arrested in nationwide crackdown
Tensions also ran high on Sialkot's Paris Road as PTI's women workers faced off with police. The confrontation led to the arrests of several workers.
PTI leader Rehana Dar, leading a convoy from Khawaja Safdar Road, arrived on Paris Road holding the PTI flag, accompanied by party supporters. When police attempted to disperse the rally, citing Section 144 restrictions, the women workers protested against the action, resulting in several arrests.
Rehana Dar blocked the police van, and managed to get the arrested women freed. However, a woman participant was reportedly overpowered by police.
During the rally, Rehana Dar's daughter-in-law Ruba Omar entered Jinnah House by breaking the lock. The rally dispersed after reaching Jinnah House. Another rally was taken out at Sublime Chowk under the leadership of PTI leader Omar Dar.
Also Read: Bushra Bibi part of Gandapur-led PTI convoy en route to Islamabad
Police and law enforcement agencies across Pakistan have launched a major crackdown on PTI workers and leaders in response to protests called by the party. The operations have resulted in dozens of arrests as authorities impose strict measures to maintain law and order, including parliamentarians and MPAs.
Lahore:
PTI's Punjab Information Secretary Hafiz Zeeshan and former MPA Nadeem Abbas were arrested from Lytton Road.
Moreover, 20 PTI workers were arrested from Batti Chowk, including 12 women workers, as part of a crackdown in the area and its adjoining highways, led by the DIG operations. Police said action will be taken against those arrested for violating Section 144. Police transferred the arrested workers to a prisoner van. All the people coming to Ravi Road have been restricted to streets.
Police also stopped a PTI convoy in Shahdara, arresting six workers. PTI ticket-holder Zameer Ahmed Jhedu was also arrested from Hajveri Tower near the high court, as per sources.
Faisalabad:
PTI-backed MPA Basharat Dogar has been arrested from Sargodha Road, as per sources. On the other hand, 485 PTI workers were arrested for stone-pelting on police and violating Section 144, the police said.
Pakpattan:
More than 90 PTI workers have been arrested over violation of Section 144. Local leaders Umar Hashim, Talha Saeed, Tariq Shah, and Mehr Moin are among those arrested.
