Violence erupted in Rawalpindi on Saturday as supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) clashed with law enforcement officers. The protests, centered around Committee Chowk, escalated after PTI workers forcefully removed police barricades. The situation intensified as Punjab Police responded with heavy teargas shelling, dispersing crowds but provoking confrontations that rippled across the city.
Clashes Escalate in Rawalpindi
PTI supporters, rallying in large numbers from various areas such as China Market, Mareer Chowk, and Rialto Chowk, marched towards Liaquat Bagh. Despite the deployment of police reinforcements, tensions rose as demonstrators threw stones at officers. Tear gas canisters landed in residential areas, affecting local families and causing significant distress. Pedestrians caught in the turmoil found themselves struggling to navigate the increasingly tense environment.
Key PTI figures, including Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and leader Salman Akram Raja, were detained near the H-13 area while en route to Rawalpindi. Although Gohar was later released, Raja remained in custody. Gohar expressed frustration, stating they were stopped following a disagreement and were forced to turn back. The arrest of PTI leaders has drawn sharp criticism from party members, who view the crackdown as a violation of their constitutional rights.
Security Measures Tightened
Authorities had already imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi, banning public gatherings from September 28 to 29. The provincial government stationed paramilitary forces and blocked key entry points to prevent PTI workers from reaching the protest venue. Major roads, including Murree Road and the Faizabad interchange, were sealed off with containers, while local authorities conducted door-to-door searches in an effort to detain active PTI supporters. These preventative measures followed a request by the deputy commissioners of Rawalpindi and nearby districts, who feared that miscreants could exploit the protests for anti-state activities.
Local administration, backed by six companies of Pakistan Rangers, is determined to maintain order. Senior Superintendent of Police Kamran Asghar led a flag march through Rawalpindi to enforce the ban, underscoring the authorities’ intent to keep the protests in check. “Violators of law and order will be dealt with iron hands,” warned the Rawalpindi Police through social media.
Political Fallout and Government Response
In the wake of the escalating unrest, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari issued a stern warning, particularly targeting PTI’s leadership. Bokhari took aim at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, accusing him of coming to Punjab to “cause trouble” and vowing to “teach him a lesson” if he violated the imposed restrictions. “We will not allow you to take shelter under the law or human rights,” she stated in a press conference, emphasizing the government’s resolve to curb PTI’s activities.
As police blocked routes into the city, PTI leaders criticized the government’s heavy-handed tactics. PTI’s Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned the arrests and shared visuals of party members being taken away. “This fascist government is hell-bent on destroying peace in this country,” Akram declared, while accusing authorities of targeting peaceful protesters.
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Despite the widespread police presence and extensive roadblocks, PTI workers vowed to press forward with their protests. However, with the provincial government’s imposition of Section 144 and security measures tightening, it is unclear how the demonstrations will proceed. With Rawalpindi in a virtual lockdown, mobile services partially suspended, and educational institutions closed, citizens are bracing for the fallout from the ongoing unrest.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, Punjab’s senior minister, added fuel to the political fire, declaring that the people of Rawalpindi had “rejected” PTI’s politics of anarchy and instead placed their trust in the current administration. As tensions continue to simmer, the standoff between PTI and the government may signal further unrest in the days ahead.