PTI Protests
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and supporters took to the streets in major cities on Saturday, protesting against alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections, resulting in clashes with the police.
In Lahore, the police baton-charged and arrested PTI workers, including Mian Shehzad Farooq, as they protested against election rigging. Demonstrations unfolded at various locations, including Shahdara, GPO Chowk at Mall Road, and outside the commissioner’s office.
Protests emerged after the February 8 elections were rejected by several parties, including PTI, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, and Jamaat-e-Islami. The PTI had planned the protests with heavy police deployment at GPO Chowk, where the main demonstration was expected.
However, clashes erupted as the police used baton charges to disperse PTI workers. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Ali Nasir Rizvi visited GPO Chowk and PTI’s office at Jail Road, emphasizing that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
Meanwhile, members of the Insaf Lawyers Forum protested outside the Lahore High Court (LHC), leading to police intervention. PTI’s Sher Afzal Marwat, leading a rally from Peshawar to Islamabad, altered the route toward Rawalpindi, entering Islamabad from Purodhai to IJP Road.
The PTI spokesperson expressed frustration, claiming that peaceful protests were disrupted by state machinery and law enforcement officials. They alleged the interference aimed at thwarting their efforts to reclaim what they consider a stolen mandate.
The spokesperson criticized what they deemed “unconstitutional” obstacles and vowed to persist in their struggle. In Islamabad, a PTI rally outside the National Press Club was led by Shoaib Shaheen, Ali Bukhari, and Aamir Mughal.
Another rally reached Pirwadhai after passing through Raja Bazar and Char Number Chungi. Additionally, a protest rally took place in Gujrat, led by Qaisara Elahi, wife of former Punjab chief minister Pervaiz Elahi, with attendees including PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain’s sister.
The PTI’s protests signal ongoing political unrest and discontent surrounding the legitimacy of the election results.
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