Pakistani officials employed tear gas to scatter demonstrators who assembled at D-Chowk seeking the liberation of imprisoned ex-prime minister Imran Khan and to demonstrate support for the judiciary.
Mobile and internet services in many areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi were also suspended by the authorities to suppress the protests organized by Imran Khan. The 71-year-old ex-cricketer-turned-politician, who has been held at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for over a year, issued a call for protest.
He requested his supporters to come together at the well-known location in the city to participate in a demonstration. It is the identical location where Imran Khan staged a protest for 126 days in 2014 over alleged election fraud.
Addressing the press at D-Chowk, Islamabad, Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi stated that the police have sealed off all entrances to Islamabad and apprehended approximately 30 demonstrators. Legal actions are taking place whenever there are efforts to harm law enforcement or vandalize belongings. So far, more than 30 people have been taken into custody. We are revising the precise figures. He stated emphatically that we will not allow anyone to take matters into their own hands.
During the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf: procession to D-Chowk, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned that no one will be permitted to break the law or cause harm to property under the guise of a protest. Naqvi said in Islamabad that certain individuals plan to march to Islamabad for a political protest. He stated that the federal government has implemented all the required precautions to safeguard the safety of foreign visitors in the capital.
The minister suggested that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister should think about the reasons behind organizing a protest and who is influencing him. Additionally, Gandapur should remember that he is first a Pakistani and then a political worker. Naqvi also expressed remorse for the disturbance experienced by the citizens of Islamabad. The minister accompanied the Islamabad police chief to D-Chowk and directed staff to ensure law and order is maintained.
Despite the government’s appeals, Gandapur continued to lead a convoy of vehicles from Peshawar to Islamabad, but he encountered obstacles due to blocked roads. The convoy was equipped with tools to clear obstacles and continue moving forward.
Gandapur and other PTI lawmakers have promised to participate in the D-Chowk rally, cautioning officials that they would retaliate if they were prevented from entering the capital. The PTI shared a video of their caravan heading towards the capital. As dusk fell, PTI supporters attempted to advance towards D-Chowk but encountered opposition, resulting in conflicts. The protesters, who were throwing stones at the officials, were dispersed by the police using tear gas.
In spite of limitations, Imran Khan’s two siblings, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, made it to D-Chowk and were detained by authorities. They were moved to a secret location.
Meanwhile, as mentioned in a post on Imran Khan’s X account, he called on everyone to gather at D-Chowk for a peaceful demonstration. He also advised the residents of Lahore to prepare for the scheduled gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan tomorrow. The post stated that we are currently in a crucial stage of the war and thanks to Allah’s grace, we are successfully securing our genuine freedom.