PTI leaders and officials from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have retracted their earlier claims regarding Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s arrest, while confirming that Rangers personnel are still stationed at KP House in Islamabad.
Previously, they had alleged that Rangers had “forcefully entered” KP House to arrest CM Gandapur, who had come to the capital to participate in a party protest. However, KP government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Saif clarified on X that “the KP CM has not been formally arrested; a heavy contingent of Rangers and police are present at the KP House. The KP CM is on bail until October 25. If arrested, it would undermine the mandate of the people of KP, and the illegitimate government would need to answer for such unconstitutional and illegal actions.”
Nawaz Mehmood, the deputy general secretary of PTI KP, also confirmed that Gandapur had not been arrested but mentioned that law enforcement personnel were detaining him inside KP House.
Mehmood informed Dawn.com that the party’s protest would proceed at D-Chowk as planned. The state broadcaster PTV echoed these sentiments, stating that “sources indicate that the news of Ali Amin Gandapur’s arrest is incorrect.”
Key Developments:
- PTI initially claimed CM Gandapur was arrested by Rangers from KP House.
- Mobile and internet services remain suspended in the twin cities.
- The indictment of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a new Toshakhana case has been adjourned.
- Interior Minister reports the arrest of 120 Afghans in the last 48 hours, including 41 during the protests.
- Army troops have been deployed in Punjab.
- Around 200 PTI workers are booked under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) and Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
Despite earlier claims of Gandapur’s arrest, a protective bail had been granted to him by the Peshawar High Court, which was effective until October 25, instructing law enforcement agencies not to detain him in cases filed against him in Islamabad and Punjab. Additionally, a Special Anti-Terrorism Court Judge had extended Gandapur’s pre-arrest bail until October 17.
Tension persisted in the capital following violent clashes between PTI supporters and police, while the party continued to plan its protest in Lahore amid extensive security measures.
Life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi has been disrupted for a second consecutive day, with mobile networks down and major roads blocked by containers. Hundreds of PTI activists, including senior leaders, gathered in various locations in Islamabad on Friday, defying heavy police barricades and road closures to protest at D-Chowk, despite Section 144 being in effect.
Consequently, Islamabad Police detained over 100 PTI members and supporters as clashes between protesters and law enforcement officials erupted, with reports of stone-pelting and tear gas exchanges throughout the day.
A correspondent for Dawn.com reported that major and secondary roads between the twin cities remained blocked by containers, and aside from PTCL and Nayatel broadband services, all other mobile and internet services were down, causing significant inconvenience for local residents. Schools in both cities were also closed for a second day.
The indictment of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana graft case, originally postponed to today (October 5), was again deferred due to the situation in Rawalpindi, where blocked roads hindered judges from reaching Adiala Jail for hearings. The hearings for both the Toshakhana and £190m graft cases have been rescheduled for October 7 and October 8, respectively.
Additionally, PTV reported that more army troops were deployed to ensure security in the federal capital. A statement issued on their X account indicated that the army would oversee security arrangements on the Srinagar highway, prepared to address any disturbances with a strong response.
CM Gandapur Arrives in Capital as PTI Protests Continue
CM Gandapur arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day, following PTI founder Imran Khan’s renewed call for demonstrations. Khan urged supporters to continue their journey to D-Chowk and Lahore’s Minar-i-Pakistan for the scheduled rally. He praised the resilience and courage of his supporters, particularly those from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who overcame various obstacles.
In a post on X around 3 p.m., PTI announced that its procession from KP, led by CM Gandapur, was making its way to Islamabad. A correspondent noted that Rangers followed the chief minister into KP House, where a large contingent of police and Rangers reportedly stormed the premises.
Authorities had previously dug trenches and placed iron nails on the Islamabad-Peshawar motorway to prevent the caravan from reaching the capital. The PTI claimed that “Naqvi and PML-N ordered massive tear gas shelling at D-Chowk,” sharing a purported video of the incident.
Mehmood, present with protesters at Jinnah Avenue, stated that their protest for the release of Imran Khan and other party leaders would persist at D-Chowk. He urged party workers to avoid damaging public property and claimed to have witnessed undercover security personnel attempting to instigate violence similar to incidents on May 9.
120 Afghans Arrested During PTI Clashes: Naqvi
Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reported that 120 Afghan nationals had been arrested in the last 48 hours, with 41 apprehended during the previous day’s clashes between PTI and Islamabad police. Naqvi expressed concern over the situation, stating that the police were fired upon near Pathargarh, where CM Gandapur’s caravan had passed.
The minister noted that evidence suggested organized efforts to incite violence, with people in Bannu and tribal areas allegedly being instructed to bring weapons.
Naqvi asserted that the government would ensure the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad would not be disrupted, holding PTI leadership accountable for the unrest, particularly CM Gandapur, who he said is leading the protests.
Punjab Deploys Army, Permits Firearm Use to Maintain Order
As PTI prepares for a protest at Lahore’s Minar-i-Pakistan, the Punjab government has ordered the deployment of army troops, allowing them to take necessary measures to “maintain law and order.” The PTI describes this planned protest—aimed at demanding a reduction in inflation, judicial independence, and Imran’s release—as a “do or die” effort, despite heavy barricades and a ban on rallies under Section 144.
A notification from the Punjab Home Department specified the requisition and deployment of army troops to support civil authority in maintaining law and order during the upcoming SCO summit. The notification outlines the Rules of Engagement (ROEs) for the army, permitting the use of firearms and other measures as warranted by the situation.
The rules state that local commanders may employ necessary actions if they face threats, including the detention of individuals committing crimes and using riot control agents. Additionally, they may return hostile fire if attacked, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard both personnel and infrastructure.
200 PTI Workers Charged Under MPO and ATA
At least 200 PTI protesters gathered near Faizabad have been charged by Rawalpindi police for “attacking and injuring” four officers. The first information report (FIR), available to Dawn.com, invoked several sections of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) 1960, the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), and the Pakistan Penal Code for various offenses, including attempted murder and rioting with deadly weapons.
The FIR alleged that approximately 200-225 protesters began pelting stones and attacking police with sticks, resulting in injuries to four officers and damage to a police vehicle, as well as nearby shops.
