PTI leaders gathered on the outskirts of Islamabad on Sunday, calling for the “immediate release” of their founder, Imran Khan. The rally escalated toward the end as police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The district administration had instructed organizers to conclude the rally by 7 PM. However, the event ran over the deadline, prompting action from the Islamabad Police against the supporters.
Despite significant barriers, including roadblocks and containers set up by authorities, a large number of supporters managed to reach the venue, where PTI leaders addressed them. The rally kicked off with PTI leader Hammad Azhar, who stated that the obstacles created by the current rulers showed their fear of Imran Khan and his supporters.
Other PTI leaders, including Raja Nasr Abbas, Jamshed Dasti, and Aoun Abbas Pabi, also spoke to the attendees. PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan and Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, were present on stage as well.
As the rally drew to a close, clashes erupted between PTI supporters and police as the latter attempted to disperse the crowd. Media footage captured police firing tear gas near Chongi number 26.
Authorities clarified that the local administration had designated the rally’s timeframe from 4 PM to 7 PM, and the police took action after it exceeded those hours.
Police added that by exceeding the time frame, the rally organisers had violated the rules and regulations detailed in the no-objection certificate (NOC) issued to the party. Thus, the Islamabad DC ordered police to disperse the attendees, instructing police and the administration to take strict action.
