Teargas Shelling, Clashes as PTI Convoys Led by Gandapur, Omar Ayub Enter Punjab

Teargas Shelling, Clashes as PTI Convoys Led by Gandapur, Omar Ayub Enter Punjab

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Pakistan, convoys of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by senior leaders Ali Amin Gandapur and Omar Ayub faced heavy resistance from the Punjab police on Saturday. Teargas shelling and violent clashes erupted as the PTI caravans attempted to cross into Punjab amid the party's ongoing push for mass mobilization.

The convoys, traveling from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other adjoining regions, were met with barricades and strict police checks at various entry points into Punjab. This led to heated confrontations, with PTI workers chanting slogans against the government and accusing law enforcement of suppressing their democratic rights.

Convoy Led by Gandapur Faces Teargas Barrage

Ali Amin Gandapur, a key PTI leader and former federal minister, led a large convoy from Dera Ismail Khan. The group was stopped near the Punjab border, where police deployed containers and other obstacles to block their path. PTI workers attempted to remove the barricades, prompting a fierce response from the authorities.

Eyewitnesses reported that as the standoff intensified, the police resorted to heavy teargas shelling to disperse the crowd. Several PTI workers, including women and elderly supporters, were seen gasping for air as the fumes engulfed the area. However, the determined protesters regrouped and managed to push through, chanting "Imran Khan is our red line!"

Speaking to the media amid the chaos, Gandapur condemned the police action, calling it "state-sponsored tyranny." He vowed to continue the journey to Lahore, where PTI plans to hold a massive rally as part of its campaign against what it describes as the "imported government."

Omar Ayub's Convoy Clashes with Police in Attock

Similarly, Omar Ayub Khan, another senior PTI leader, faced severe resistance near the Attock Bridge. His convoy, consisting of hundreds of vehicles, was stopped by a heavy police presence. Clashes erupted as party workers tried to break through the police blockade.

Videos circulating on social media showed workers hurling stones at the police, who responded with baton charges and more teargas. The air was thick with tension as chants of "Vote ko izzat do" (respect the vote) filled the air. Omar Ayub accused the Punjab government of using undemocratic tactics to stifle political dissent.

"We are exercising our constitutional right to peaceful protest, yet the police are treating us like criminals. This is unacceptable," Ayub told reporters at the scene.

Escalating Political Crisis

The violent clashes come as Pakistan’s political landscape remains deeply polarized. The PTI, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been rallying its supporters to demand fresh elections, accusing the current coalition government of corruption and mismanagement.

The Punjab government, however, has doubled down on its efforts to curb PTI's mass gatherings, citing security concerns and fears of unrest. Large contingents of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed across major cities to prevent PTI from assembling.

Casualties and Arrests Reported

According to initial reports, several PTI workers sustained injuries during the clashes, and dozens were arrested by the police. Videos on social media showed chaotic scenes of ambulances arriving at the protest sites and injured protesters being carried away.

The PTI leadership has strongly condemned the use of force, accusing the Punjab government of launching a "crackdown" on democratic freedoms. Human rights organizations have also expressed concern over the situation, urging both sides to exercise restraint.

PTI’s Next Steps

Despite the obstacles, the PTI convoys continue to advance toward Lahore, where the party plans to stage its main rally. PTI sources have indicated that more supporters are expected to join the caravans en route, setting the stage for a potentially larger confrontation.

Imran Khan, in a video message released earlier in the day, urged his supporters to remain steadfast. “This is a decisive moment for Pakistan. We must stand together for the future of our country,” Khan said.

Government's Response

The Punjab government, led by the PML-N, has defended its actions, stating that the measures were necessary to maintain law and order. Officials argue that PTI’s rallies pose a threat to public safety and risk plunging the country into further chaos.

“The government will not allow any group to take the law into their own hands. We are committed to protecting the lives and property of our citizens,” a government spokesperson said in a statement.

Outlook

As the PTI convoys press on and the government tightens its grip, the standoff shows no signs of easing. With emotions running high on both sides, Pakistan’s political crisis appears to be entering a critical phase, leaving the nation bracing for what lies ahead.