ISLAMABAD – Aleema Khan, and Uzma Khannum, sisters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, have been arrested along with several other party members from Islamabad’s D-Chowk during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest.
The protest, which drew significant crowds, was met with a heavy police presence as Section 144 was imposed across the city, restricting public gatherings.
Clashes erupted between PTI supporters and law enforcement as police resorted to shelling to disperse the crowd. Eyewitnesses reported chaos, with many protesters facing rubber bullets and tear gas. The situation rapidly escalated, leading to multiple injuries among demonstrators and Islamabad police and rangers.
Khan’s supporters expressed their outrage over what they called an infringement on their democratic rights, demanding the release of their detained leader, who remained behind bars from quite some time.
As the unrest continues, tensions remain high, with many in the capital anticipating further protests in the coming days.
PTI Protests
The government also urged protest led by Khan’s supporters to be canceled, claiming it threatens public order, while Khan’s camp defends their right to peaceful assembly.
A message from Khan encouraged followers to march forward fearlessly. The government argues that these protests could harm the economy, especially amidst rising threats from the Pakistani Taliban and ongoing economic struggles, despite a recent $7 billion IMF loan.
Supporters began their march from Swabi towards Islamabad, with Provincial Chief Minister Ali Amin Gundapur planning to join them.
More updates to follow…
