Islamabad (Web Desk): Clashes between the police and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists were reported on Saturday as the party workers reached Islamabad’s D-Chowk after heavy rain diminished impact of tear gas.
According to footages shared on social media, a large number of protesters surged towards D-Chowk, prompting police to detain several activists from Jinnah Avenue.
The clashes, which erupted in the morning, involved protesters throwing stones and retaliating against police actions.
Meanwhile, a heavy contingent of police and Rangers arrived at K-P House to detain Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, bringing along a prisoner transport vehicle. Reports surfaced of Gandapur's arrest, though he has reportedly not yet been apprehended while his mobile phone was said to be turned off.
On Friday Hundreds of PTI activists, including senior leaders, had gathered at multiple locations in Islamabad while defying heavy police blockades and road closures, for party’s planned protest at D-Chowk despite imposition of Section 144 by the federal government.
Resultantly, Islamabad Police detained over 100 PTI members and supporters as violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement officials were reported throughout the day, with several instances of stone-pelting and tear gas exchanges being witnessed.
Later, talking to newsmen in Islamabad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that police arrested 564 including 120 Afghan nationals.