The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially ended its protest in Rawalpindi after a scheduled demonstration held on Saturday.
The protest, which took place from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, was called off by PTI chairman Barrister Gohar after the completion of the designated time.
In his statement, Gohar urged party workers to return to their homes peacefully, advising that no further demonstrations should occur at locations such as Liaquat Bagh.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also addressed the PTI workers, announcing the conclusion of the protest.
He acknowledged that roadblocks and other administrative hurdles had obstructed the movement of protesters but promised to return with another rally.
Gandapur emphasized that PTI does not seek confrontation with state institutions and condemned the government's use of tear gas and force against peaceful protesters. Despite the clashes, he stressed that the party would continue its fight for constitutional rights.
KP Information Adviser
KP Government’s Information Adviser, Barrister Saif, also commented on the day’s events. He highlighted that Chief Minister Gandapur had led a strong demonstration across Punjab and the federal capital.
According to Saif, after a five-hour protest, the Chief Minister peacefully concluded the rally as per the party's pre-set schedule. He confirmed that PTI intends to stage another protest next week, continuing their demand for constitutional rights and justice.
Protesters clash with police
During the protest, clashes erupted between PTI workers and the police at various points, including Murree Road. Protesters reportedly threw stones at police officers, leading the authorities to respond with tear gas.
Several police officers were injured during the altercations and had to be hospitalized. The local population was also affected by the tear gas used to disperse the protesters.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja were briefly taken into custody by police, but were later released, preventing them from joining the Rawalpindi protest. The police stopped them near Sector H-13, Islamabad, and let them go shortly after.
Other PTI members, MPA Tanweer Asalam Raja and Samabiya Tahir, were also arrested.
Barrister Gauhar talks to Samaa
In an interview with Samaa TV, Barrister Gohar shared the details of his encounter with the police.
Following the conclusion of the PTI protest, authorities reopened highways and removed containers from 26 locations, including the expressway. The highways connecting Peshawar to Islamabad were also cleared.
