In Gujranwala’s Tatlay Aali area, former PTI MNA Bilal Ijaz joined party workers in a march on Islamabad, defying Section 144 restrictions. When police attempted to block their route, the workers retaliated, attacking officers and forcing them to flee for safety. Despite the chaos, police arrested six workers and transferred them to a local station. However, PTI Central Punjab President Rana Bilal Ijaz and the district president reportedly escaped custody during the disorder.
On the Faisalabad-Sargodha Road, PTI workers clashed with police, throwing stones near the interchange. More than 400 individuals, including an MPA, were arrested for violating Section 144 and engaging in violence. A heavy police presence was deployed to Sargodha Road to manage the unrest.
Similar scenes unfolded in Dera Ismail Khan at the Isakhel Interchange, where police used tear gas to disperse PTI workers. The workers retaliated, forcing the police to retreat.
In Sialkot, tensions escalated on Paris Road as PTI women workers confronted police. PTI leader Rehana Dar led a rally from Khawaja Safdar Road, accompanied by supporters waving party flags. When police tried to disperse the rally, citing Section 144, the women workers resisted, leading to several arrests. Rehana Dar reportedly blocked a police van, helping free detained women, but one woman was eventually overpowered.
During the rally, Rehana Dar’s daughter-in-law, Ruba Omar, broke into Jinnah House by forcing open the lock. The rally eventually dispersed after reaching the site. Another procession, led by PTI leader Omar Dar, was held at Sublime Chowk.
Crackdown Across Pakistan
Law enforcement agencies nationwide have intensified crackdowns on PTI workers and leaders following protests called by the party. Numerous arrests have been made as authorities enforce strict measures to maintain order.
Lahore:
- PTI Punjab Information Secretary Hafiz Zeeshan and former MPA Nadeem Abbas were arrested on Lytton Road.
- Twenty PTI workers, including 12 women, were detained at Batti Chowk during a crackdown led by the DIG operations.
- Police stopped a convoy in Shahdara and arrested six workers, while PTI ticket-holder Zameer Ahmed Jhedu was taken into custody near the high court.
Faisalabad:
- MPA Basharat Dogar was arrested on Sargodha Road.
- A total of 485 PTI workers were detained for stone-pelting and defying Section 144.
Pakpattan:
- Over 90 PTI workers, including local leaders Umar Hashim, Talha Saeed, Tariq Shah, and Mehr Moin, were arrested for violating restrictions.
As protests continue, authorities are ramping up efforts to curb unrest and enforce law and order.
