LAHORE: Police personnel is on high alert as they clashed with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers to stop the party’s ‘Azadi March’.
Police scuffled with protesters as they converged on Bati and Bhatti chowk to begin their march on Islamabad. Policemen attempted to stop PTI supporters from moving forward and resorted to firing tear gas.
At Lahore’s Batti Chowk, police resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse PTI workers and removed barriers placed to block the routes.
PTI Lahore Chapter had asked its workers to gather at the Batti Chowk from where they will depart for Islamabad. The party workers clashed with the police when they removed barriers while police fired tear gas shells to clear the area.According to PTI’s official Twitter account, the marchers were also stopped at the Shahdara area. The party said the shipping container placed had been removed.
PTI leader Hammad Azhar announced that he has reached Batti Chowk. He managed to get past the obstacles towards GT Road on his way to Islamabad.
Police also encircled the car of former health minister Yasmeen Rashid to stop her from moving forward. She also tried stopping the police from taking away her car keys. There have also been roadblocks in Faisalabad, Gujranwala and other cities in Punjab.
Hammad Azhar (@Hammad_Azhar ) leading his rally in Lahore! #حقیقی_آزادی_مارچ pic.twitter.com/Vy2g96gse7
— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 25, 2022
شاہدرہ کے کپتان انجینئر یاسر گیلانی نے شاہدرہ چوک پر لگے کنٹینر ہٹا دیے۔ #حقیقی_آزادی_مارچ pic.twitter.com/DM1355nVJ1
— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 25, 2022
In Karachi, the party has announced a sit-in at Numaish Chowrangi. According to traffic police, MA Jinnah road and its adjoining areas have been blocked as the provincial government has banned all rallies and public gatherings.
The roads that have been blocked include one leading toward People’s Chowrangi from Numais; Corridor 3 New Preedy Street from Saddar Dawakhana road leading towards People Chowrangi; and Nizami Road (heading from Lines areas to Numaish) has also been blocked.
The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) is set to start the ‘Azadi March’ to Islamabad to press for its demand to hold early elections.
PTI chairman Imran Khan will reach Swabi by helicopter from Peshawar, leading the procession from Ambar Interchange.
The party plans to hold a public meeting and sit-in at the Srinagar Highway formerly known as Kashmir Avenue.
