The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced the cancellation of its planned protests after a massive security crackdown at D-Chowk, which led to the arrest of more than 854 workers and the reported flight of key PTI leaders, including Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, PTI leader Sheikh Waqas Akram said the decision to cancel the protests was made to prevent Islamabad from becoming a “slaughterhouse for innocent citizens.”
The PTI leader also called on the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take suo motu notice of the “brutal killings plan” of party workers during the crackdown.
The sources said 400 miscreants were arrested from Rawalpindi, 410 from Attock, 44 from Chakwal.
Police operations in Rawalpindi
Separately, Rawalpindi police launched a grand operation against those involved in violent acts of arson and vandalism.
Over 400 suspects were arrested, and a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and communication equipment was recovered.
The police also seized slingshots and ball bearings used during attacks on law enforcement.
A police spokesperson stated that nearly 800 PTI workers involved in unrest had been arrested across Punjab.
“Lawlessness will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be brought to justice,” the spokesperson said, emphasising the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of citizens.
According to the security sources, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government employees were also involved in the violent protest while tear gas shells were also recovered from the possession of the arrested miscreants.
Reporter: Irshad Qureshi