On Sunday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vowed to extend its movement to Punjab and gave a two-week deadline to release its jailed leader, Imran Khan. The party held a large rally in the federal capital, despite some clashes with the police.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, made the announcement while addressing the enthusiastic crowd in the Sangjani area. “If Imran Khan is not released legally in one or two weeks, we will take matters into our own hands,” he warned, stating that he was ready to lead and face any consequences, even risking his life.
The rally, which had tight security, started on Sunday evening. Despite roadblocks at different points, caravans led by Gandapur made their way to the venue. PTI was previously granted permission to hold the rally on September 8 after having to postpone it twice before, drawing criticism from within the party for the delays.
Earlier in the day, Islamabad’s administration had heightened security and blocked multiple routes into the city, citing a new law to control the rings. This law had just been signed by President Asif Ali Zardari a day before the rally.
PTI Leaders Urge Supporters to Prepare for Punjab Movement
At the rally, PTI leader Hammad Azhar addressed the crowd, saying the government’s attempts to hinder the rally showed their fear of Imran Khan and his supporters. He hinted at starting a similar movement in Punjab, with Maryam Nawaz as the provincial leader, and urged supporters to get ready.
Azhar praised imprisoned leaders like Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Umar Sarfraz Cheema. Another PTI leader, Sher Afzal Marwat, also pledged to hold Punjab’s release Punjab rallies to demand Imran Khan’s release and uphold the rule of law. “We’ll enter Punjab with 50,000 people, even if we have to walk and face tear gas,” Marwat said.
Security Measures and Clashes with Police
As the rally progressed, the Islamabad administration issued a 7 pm deadline for the event to end. Loudspeakers were to be turned off, and entry points into the city closed after the deadline.
When the rally continued past the deadline, the police were directed to take action. This led to clashes, with PTI supporters throwing stones at the police, injuring several officers, including Senior Superintendent Shoaib Khan. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi checked on the injured officers and assured them they would receive the best medical care.
Additional police forces were called in, and there were reports that many PTI supporters left the rally after the clashes. The police also announced that cases would be filed against those who violated the rules.
PTI Vows to Continue Struggle
Despite the disruptions, PTI leaders, including Gandapur, remained defiant. Gandapur stated that raising one’s voice against oppression was an act of jihad, and the party would continue fighting until Imran Khan was released. “If this oppression doesn’t end, we will keep fighting for our lives,” he declared.
Other PTI leaders like Barrister Gohar also addressed the crowd, accusing the government of rigging elections and filing false cases against Imran Khan. He said PTI would not accept courts and judges appointed by the government.
As the rally ended, PTI leaders encouraged their supporters to remain strong, vowing that their fight for Imran Khan’s release and for justice would continue.