PTI ends D Chowk protest after dozens of workers killed

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) called off its protest at Islamabad’s D Chowk, following  a large-scale midnight operation by law enforcement authorities against individuals deemed to be causing unrest in the capital.

PTI said that the decision to temporarily halt the demonstration, was made in line with directives from former prime minister Imran Khan.

In a statement on X, PTI condemned what they described as excessive force against protesters in the capital.

"Brutality was shown against peaceful demonstrators in Islamabad," PTI said, adding, “While dozens of party workers have been killed and others injured, details of only eight have been received so far.” 

"Workers were shot directly, and we strongly condemn the killing and crackdown on our supporters,” it stated. 

Earlier in the day, Rangers cleared D-Chowk, pushing PTI protesters back from Jinnah Avenue to Khyber Plaza. The situation in Islamabad remains tense as both sides assess the aftermath of the protest and the ensuing crackdown.

However, skirmishes persisted as PTI workers removed containers, pelted stones, and targeted law enforcement with batons. Many protesters wore gas masks and were armed with sticks.

The clashes resulted in significant casualties. According to police sources, four Rangers and police personnel were killed, and over 100 were injured in the violence.

A spokesperson for Rawalpindi Police confirmed the arrest of over 400 individuals in a grand operation near No. 26 Chungi. Across Punjab, nearly 800 arrests were made. Weapons, wireless devices, rifles, and ball bearings were recovered during the crackdown.

According to police, the arrested individuals were allegedly involved in attacks on law enforcement, vandalism, and arson.