At least 30 protesters have been arrested as mobile and internet services remain suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi during a planned PTI rally.
Police have sealed off all entry points to the cities and used tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Despite being imprisoned, PTI founder Imran Khan has urged his supporters to hold a “peaceful protest” as the party pushes forward with its rally in Islamabad today, despite a ban on public gatherings. Another rally is scheduled for Lahore tomorrow.
Read more: Imran Khan’s Sisters Detained at D-Chowk Amid Islamabad’s Preparations for PTI Protest
In recent weeks, PTI has held multiple rallies across the country, protesting against the “unlawful” imprisonment of its leader, the delay by the Election Commission in implementing the reserved seats verdict, and to “defend the Constitution.”
Before earlier rallies in Islamabad and Lahore, the government issued strict guidelines that PTI did not fully adhere to, leading to clashes between party workers and authorities.
Today, PTI shared updates of caravans leaving various cities for the rally, despite warnings from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to avoid holding demonstrations due to high-profile foreign visits. Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, with whom PTI has had positive interactions recently, also urged the party to delay its gatherings until the foreign dignitaries have departed.
