PTI Leaders Hold Rally Demanding Imran Khan’s Release Amidst Clashes with Police.
On Sunday, PTI leaders held a rally on the outskirts of Islamabad, calling for the “immediate release” of party founder Imran Khan, while expressing criticism towards the government for allegedly sidelining the party. The gathering saw police using tear gas to disperse the crowd as tensions escalated.
The rally aimed to gather support for Imran Khan’s release, who has been imprisoned since last August. Despite hopes for his release after a court accepted appeals related to the Iddat case, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested him again in a new Toshakhana case. Previous sentences related to the Toshakhana cases had been suspended, and he had been acquitted in the cipher case by the Islamabad High Court.
PTI leader Hammad Azhar addressed the crowd, stating that supporters had gathered to advocate for the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution. He expressed confidence in securing Imran Khan’s release, while fellow PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan decried the government’s treatment of the party and its leaders.
Ali Muhammad lamented that key PTI figures, including Murad Saeed and Shehryar Khan Afridi, were absent from the rally due to government pressure. He questioned whether it was a crime to express love for Pakistan or speak the truth, vowing that the party would continue its efforts for justice.
The rally saw heated speeches from other PTI leaders, including Sher Afzal Khan Marwat, who announced future plans to rally in Lahore. Meanwhile, PTI member Aliya Hamza Malik urged the public to demand Imran Khan’s release and fight for the rights of future generations.
Clashes Between Supporters and Police
As the rally drew to a close, clashes broke out between PTI supporters and police. The police had initially set a timeframe for the rally, which was exceeded, leading to efforts to disperse the crowd. Tear gas was used after supporters allegedly threw stones at police officers. Senior Superintendent of Police Shoaib Khan was among those injured.
The Islamabad District Commissioner ordered police to take strict action after the rally violated the conditions of its no-objection certificate (NOC), which allowed the event from 4 PM to 7 PM. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi sought a report on the situation and directed medical assistance for the injured officers.
Differing Opinions on the Rally
PTI leader Hammad Azhar criticized the police’s actions, calling the use of tear gas an “idiotic move” on social media, while Dr. Arif Alvi, former president of Pakistan, condemned the intervention as a “senseless act” designed to disrupt a peaceful gathering.
On the other hand, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that the public had “rejected PTI’s rally” and accused the party of spreading false propaganda. He emphasized that while political rallies are a democratic right, they should adhere to the rules set by authorities.
Security Measures Amid Rally
Ahead of the rally, Islamabad’s entry points were blocked due to intelligence reports of potential security threats. The police took measures to control the situation, blocking 21 key entry points to the city, including Zero Point and Faizabad. PTI workers were advised to reach the venue individually to avoid confrontation with the police.
The rally was a much-anticipated event, having been postponed twice due to security concerns. Initially scheduled for July and then August, the event was only granted approval for a September 8 gathering under strict conditions.
Senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser criticized the government’s use of containers and roadblocks, calling it an act of a “fascist government.” He accused the authorities of defying court orders by obstructing access to the rally despite the approval of the NOC.
As tensions between PTI and the government continue to rise, the situation remains fluid, with both sides holding firm to their respective positions.
