PTI fails to stage Rawalpindi protest amid clashes with police

RAWALPINDI: KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced to end Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) protest in Rawalpindi following party workers clashes with police and unable to reach Rawalpindi after being stuck at Burhan Interchange.

Gandapur's convoy was held up for hours at the Burhan Interchange, where authorities had blocked roads with containers in an effort to disrupt PTI’s protest.

In his address to the participants, the KP chief minister urged them to head back to Peshawar, criticizing the government for denying PTI its “constitutional right” to protest.

Gandapur also condemned the alleged use of tear gas and rubber bullets against the protesters, pledging that the party would return with “full force” next time.

“They [the police] have set a precedent by using bullets […] We also have guns,” Gandapur warned.

PTI workers expressed their anger by chanting slogans against Gandapur and the party leadership, even surrounding their vehicles in protest.

Earlier, tensions flared as PTI workers clashed with police near Liaquat Bagh ahead of the scheduled protest, prompting authorities to place the garrison city on high alert.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar was also arrested in Islamabad ad later was released.