In a significant turn of events, PTI supporters flocked to D-Chowk in Islamabad on Saturday despite heavy rain, which temporarily subdued the impact of police tear gas shelling. The protest, organized to demand the release of PTI leaders and oppose the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, saw a strong turnout, with crowds undeterred by both weather and security measures.
The tear gas, initially deployed to disperse demonstrators, was rendered ineffective as strong winds blew the smoke back towards law enforcement personnel. This momentary reprieve allowed the protesters to consolidate their presence in the area. However, after the rain subsided, security forces returned to reassert control over D-Chowk.
The capital remained tense following violent clashes the previous day between PTI supporters and police, resulting in widespread road closures and disruptions. Major entry points to Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi, including key routes like the Motorways M1, M2, and the Grand Trunk Road, were heavily barricaded with shipping containers. Mobile and internet services also remained suspended, causing frustration among residents.
PTI in Lahore
In addition to the protest in Islamabad, PTI also held a demonstration in Lahore, where heightened security and roadblocks were set up to prevent disruptions. The party’s political committee resolved to continue the protests and called for the release of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who was reportedly detained at KP House in Islamabad. Although earlier claims suggested Gandapur’s arrest, officials later clarified that while he had not been formally arrested, law enforcement personnel were stationed at the premises.
The tensions come at a critical time, as the indictment of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana graft case was postponed due to the inability of judges to reach Adiala Jail amid roadblocks. These hearings, along with other key cases, have been rescheduled.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media, reporting that over 120 Afghan nationals had been arrested over the past 48 hours, with 41 of them detained during the PTI clashes. He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, particularly in the lead-up to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, ensuring that security measures would be tightened.
Army troops in Lahore
Meanwhile, in Lahore, the Punjab government deployed army troops to support civil authorities and maintain order during the PTI demonstration at Minar-i-Pakistan. The protest, aimed at highlighting inflation, judicial independence, and the release of Imran Khan, continued despite Section 144 being imposed, banning public rallies. The authorities have granted the army extensive powers to ensure security during the protests and safeguard foreign delegates attending the SCO summit.
The situation remains fluid, with PTI supporters maintaining their presence at key locations across the country, signaling the persistence of political unrest amid growing tensions between the party and the government.
