Rawalpindi Police File Charges Against Over 250 PTI Leaders Amid Protest Clashes

Islamabad:Rawalpindi police have registered six cases against more than 250 leaders and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, following a chaotic protest on Saturday.

The protests, which took place at Liaquat Bagh, resulted in incidents of vandalism, damage to public property, attacks on police, and violations of Section 144, leading to multiple FIRs at various police stations including Waris Khan, New Town, and RA Bazaar.

According to the Station House Officer (SHO) of City police, Malik Khalid Yaar, Imran Khan had called upon his party members to gather at Liaquat Bagh for the protest, despite the Punjab government’s imposition of Section 144. At around 6:30 PM, around 250 to 300 protesters armed with sticks and stones were reported, resulting in the arrest of 73 men and 11 women.

Protests in Rawalpindi had been planned for 2 PM, prompting authorities to seal off the entrances to the twin cities. Residents faced restrictions as law enforcement engaged in stand-offs with local citizens in anticipation of the protests.

Khan, concerned that permission for a rally would be denied, opted for a protest instead. Meanwhile, authorities blocked all access roads to Rawalpindi using containers, particularly at Faizabad, and set up additional barriers on Murree Road.

In a turn of events, Islamabad police detained Barrister Gohar Khan and Salman Akram from Sector H-13, though Gohar was later released. Gohar recounted that they were instructed by police to turn back and not proceed to Rawalpindi.

As the day progressed, violent clashes erupted around 4 PM and again around 6 PM, with police employing tear gas while protesters retaliated with stones. Accusations emerged from PTI members claiming police brutality, including the use of rubber bullets against women protesters led by Aalia Hamza.

Following the clashes, Ali Amin Gandapur announced his return to Peshawar, signaling the end of the protest. Despite the conclusion, reports indicated that police continued to patrol Liaquat Bagh, with ongoing skirmishes and further use of tear gas.

The situation in Rawalpindi reflects rising political tensions in Pakistan as the PTI continues its confrontational approach amid ongoing government crackdowns.