PTI Issues Two-Week Ultimatum for Imran Khan’s Release Amid Islamabad Rally
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, issued a two-week deadline on Sunday for the release of its leader, Imran Khan, during a major rally in Islamabad. The event, held at Sangjani locality, saw significant clashes between PTI supporters and police.
Gandapur declared that if Imran Khan is not released within the stipulated time, PTI would take matters into their own hands. His speech was met with enthusiasm from the rally attendees, who had gathered despite roadblocks and heavy security measures. The rally had been allowed under a no-objection certificate (NOC) after multiple postponements due to revoked permissions, drawing criticism from various quarters for the delays.
The Islamabad district administration issued a directive mandating that the rally conclude by 7 PM. Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon warned that failure to adhere to the deadline would result in violations of the NOC. Following the deadline, police began dispersing the crowd, leading to confrontations that saw PTI workers throwing stones at officers, injuring several, including Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shoaib Khan.
In response to the crackdown, PTI leaders, including former federal minister Hammad Azhar, criticized the government and signaled plans to expand their movement to Punjab, urging their supporters to prepare for further demonstrations.
PTI leader Muhammad Ali Khan and firebrand politician Sher Afzal Marwat called for increased activism in Punjab, promising significant rallies and actions if their demands were not met. They expressed frustration over the imprisonment of PTI leaders and the suppression of their rallies.
The district administration’s enforcement of the deadline led to further unrest, with police employing teargas and additional forces to manage the situation. PTI workers continued to protest despite the closure of city entry points and restrictions imposed by the authorities.
Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar criticized PTI’s rally, claiming it was poorly attended and that the party resorted to misleading social media posts to exaggerate its success. He also highlighted an incident where a suspicious bag containing explosive materials was found near the rally site, though the authorities assured that the situation was under control.
The rally concluded with the administration ordering PTI to end their gathering immediately and issuing warnings of legal action against those who violated the rules.
