Police Use Tear Gas on PTI Supporters Marching Toward Islamabad

Tear Gas

On Friday, police fired tear gas at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters as they marched toward Islamabad’s D-Chowk for what the party described as a “peaceful protest.”

In an effort to control the situation, the federal administration of Islamabad suspended mobile networks and internet services in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Security forces also blocked all entry points to these cities to prevent further escalation of the protest.

Clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement were reported at various locations along the march route. Some protestors, loyal to PTI Chairman Imran Khan, reportedly set trees on fire in an attempt to counter the effects of the tear gas.

Among the notable participants, a PTI convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur managed to reach Brahma after successfully removing containers placed as barricades by the authorities.

PTI has been organizing multiple rallies across the country in recent weeks, protesting the detention of Imran Khan, which the party has called “unlawful,” as well as delays by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in finalizing the decision on reserved seats. These protests are also aimed at safeguarding what PTI sees as a threat to the Constitution.

In the days leading up to PTI’s rallies in Islamabad and Lahore earlier this month, the government imposed strict regulations to maintain order.

However, the PTI did not fully comply with these guidelines, which resulted in repeated confrontations between party supporters and law enforcement personnel. The rising tensions have contributed to a volatile political climate in the country, with both sides refusing to back down.

As of yet, the central leadership of PTI has not arrived at D-Chowk, an iconic public square located at the entrance of Islamabad’s Red Zone. The area is a significant location, close to key government buildings, including the Presidency, Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, the Supreme Court, and several foreign embassies.

Over the years, D-Chowk has become a favored venue for political leaders and civil society to hold demonstrations and raise their voices on national issues.

Earlier in the day, when a PTI convoy reached the Burhan Interchange, police used tear gas to disperse the gathering. Several female supporters of PTI were reportedly arrested during the confrontation.

PTI convoys have faced similar challenges throughout their march, with heavy police presence and barricades set up to block their movement.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had previously issued a stern warning, stating that PTI would not be allowed to continue with its “current actions.” Despite these warnings, the party’s supporters continued to push toward Islamabad, seeking to amplify their demands.

In another development, a PTI cavalcade, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, reached Chhachh in Punjab’s Attock district. Here, containers that had been blocking the motorway were removed with the help of cranes, clearing the path for the convoy.

However, reports indicated that the Punjab police were notably absent from the scene, allowing PTI supporters to proceed without resistance.

Further disruptions occurred at the Chenab Toll Plaza in Wazirabad, where containers were placed on both sides of the road, effectively halting traffic and leading to long queues of vehicles.

The delays caused by these closures have raised concerns over the potential spoilage of perishable goods in trucks stuck in the traffic jam, adding another layer of disruption to the ongoing protests.

Despite the increasing tension, PTI remains determined to carry on with its march toward Islamabad’s D-Chowk, setting the stage for further confrontations in the coming days.