PTI workers clash with police as Islamabad admin orders to pack up rally

ISLAMABAD: Clashes erupted between workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Islamabad police after the Islamabad administration issued orders to end the rally, stating that permission was granted for the event only from 4pm to 7pm.

The clash between PTI workers and the police occurred at Chungi No-26 in Islamabad as tensions escalated.

PTI’s rally, held as a show of political strength at Sangjani Cattle Market, saw participation from a large number of party leaders and workers. Speeches by prominent PTI leaders is under way despite the clash.

Meanwhile, Chief Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Ali Randhawa said that that the situation at Chungi No-26 had been brought under control after police halted shelling in response to clashes between law enforcement and PTI workers.

In a statement, Randhawa explained that the NOC for the rally had clearly outlined a timeframe from 4pm PM to 7pm, and any gathering beyond that was considered illegal.

“The law regarding unlawful assemblies and processions has become a law, and the rally organizers were informed by the district magistrate in advance,” he said. Randhawa emphasized that no request to extend the rally beyond the scheduled time had been submitted, and PTI workers had taken an unauthorised route at Chungi No-26, which led to police action.

Meanwhile, Islamabad Police Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said that the rally’s designated time had expired. He added that legal proceedings would be initiated against the event’s organisers after they failed to comply with the timing.

He said that the situation escalated when PTI activists reportedly pelted stones at the police, injuring SSP Safe City during the confrontation.

The Islamabad deputy commissioner issued written orders to end the rally, citing PTI’s failure to comply with the agreed schedule. The administration reminded the organisers that the event was to conclude by 7pm, and warned of legal action for breaching the no-objection certificate (NOC). Despite this, the rally extended beyond the permitted time.

Police used tear gas and began shelling at Chungi No-26 after alleged stone-pelting by the PTI protesters. According to reports, several police officers, including SSP Safe City, were injured. However, PTI workers claimed that the police tried to prevent them from reaching the rally earlier.

The situation at Chungi No-26 remained tense, with the potential for more security personnel to be deployed if conditions worsen. Media reports suggested that PTI workers veered off the scheduled routes, which led to the police intervention.

Also read: PTI stages massive jalsa despite roadblocks, calls for Imran Khan’s release

Meanwhile, convoys from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continued to arrive at the rally venue. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy, consisting of hundreds of vehicles and machinery, reached the Sangjani interchange and was expected to arrive at the venue shortly.

Addressing the rally, PTI leader Hammad Azhar stated, “These barriers prove that the rulers are afraid of us, and most of all, they fear Imran Khan.” He accused the government of relying on force to maintain power and said that their authority is sustained by manipulating institutions like the Election Commission and the judiciary.

Azhar emphasized PTI’s commitment to democracy, the constitution, and peace, warning that if their demands were not met, the responsibility for any unrest would lie with the current unelected rulers.

Other PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar, Ali Mohammad Khan, Azam Swati, Alia Hamza, Umar Cheema, and Salman Akram Raja, also addressed the gathering. Barrister Gohar claimed that despite the turnout, many PTI leaders and workers were delayed due to roadblocks set up by the administration. He appealed for the removal of barriers, assuring that the rally would conclude peacefully and without any sit-in or long march.