Islamabad:The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced new dates for its protests after clashes with police in Rawalpindi. The announcement comes after police erected barriers in various areas of the city to prevent PTI supporters from gathering at Liaquat Bagh, leading to confrontations.
In a video message, PTI’s new central information secretary, Sheikh Waqas Akram, expressed gratitude to the party’s supporters who stood firm despite government restrictions. He announced that PTI would hold significant protests on October 2 in three cities: Multan, Mianwali, and Faisalabad. He emphasized that participating in these protests is a responsibility and an obligation for supporters.
During a press conference, Sheikh Waqas Akram criticized the Punjab government for attempting to suppress the party’s efforts and making provocative claims. He alleged that expired munitions were used against PTI supporters during the clashes, accusing the government of deliberately creating obstacles to silence PTI workers.
It is important to note that PTI supporters faced shelling and rubber bullets while attempting to reach Liaquat Bagh for a protest against constitutional amendments. However, they appeared powerless in front of the police forces. The PTI leadership also struggled to arrive in Rawalpindi.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari claimed that Ali Amin Gandapur had turned back before reaching the protest site. The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa later announced his return home, while police reported over 100 arrests, rendering PTI’s protest efforts at Liaquat Bagh unsuccessful.
