A convoy of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, resumed its journey to Islamabad on Monday morning after obstacles near Katti Pahari in Attock were cleared by workers.
The convoy, which includes Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi and PTI leader Omar Ayub, briefly stayed near the Hazara Rest Area overnight before proceeding. Another major convoy, led by Ali Amin’s brother Omar Amin, remained near the Hakla Interchange for several hours.
As the procession moved toward Islamabad, incidents of violence intensified in several areas. Miscreants reportedly attacked law enforcement personnel under the guise of protests, leading to significant casualties. Police Constable Mubashir, 46, died of a head injury sustained during a violent confrontation at Hakla Interchange. He was under treatment at a hospital.
The constable, a resident of Muzaffargarh, leaves behind two daughters and a son.
Moreover, over 100 police personnel have been injured in the violence at the hands of miscreants in various areas. The injured personnel suffered wounds on their heads, arms, and legs, while the process of identifying the suspects through CCTV footage is underway.
Also Read: ‘May 9 Part-II’: One policeman killed, 70 injured due to PTI protest, claims Azma Bokhari
In Attock, the situation escalated further when three police officers were critically injured in a shooting incident near Katti Pahari. Constable Wajid, hailing from Faisalabad, sustained a bullet wound to the neck and remains in critical condition, while Constable Samiullah, from Sargodha, was shot in the leg.
A third official, Constable Samiullah from Sargodha, was also seriously injured in Attock due to the stone-pelting by PTI protesters. He was admitted to a hospital in Hasanabdal for medical treatment. All three officers were deployed on special duty in the region.
Dozens of policemen have been injured at Katti Pahari and admitted to various hospitals. Authorities are using CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the culprits involved in these violent incidents.
At least 23 police personnel were injured during a violent altercation with PTI workers on the Ghazi Barotha Bridge, police officials reported on Monday.
According to law enforcement authorities, the injured personnel were immediately transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The situation escalated when workers in a convoy, reportedly accompanying KP Chief Minister Gandapur, allegedly attacked police personnel during the night.
Also Read: 23 cops injured in clash with PTI workers on Ghazi Barotha Bridge in Attock
The police stated that the altercation occurred as the convoy attempted to cross the bridge despite security restrictions. Additional reinforcements have been deployed to manage the situation and restore order.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has paid tribute to martyred police constable Mubashir, and expressed condolences to his family. He also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the policeman's martyrdom. "The protesters who resorted to violence will be brought to justice, he vowed.
Also Read: 23 cops injured in clash with PTI workers on Ghazi Barotha Bridge in Attock
Earlier in the day, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari raised serious concerns over the violence and loss of life during the PTI protest. Speaking to the media, she questioned the actions of those who defend the right to protest, emphasizing that the protest had led to a tragic loss.
“Today, a young man was martyred due to the protest, and five others are in critical condition," Bokhari claimed, adding that 70 officials were seriously injured, and many taken hostage by the protesters.
Bokhari also criticised the PTI leadership for their role in inciting violence, accusing them of misusing religion for political gain.
