In the aftermath of contentious election results, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers have taken to the streets in various cities, alleging irregularities and demanding justice.
However, the protests have escalated into clashes with law enforcement in several instances, leading to multiple arrests and disruptions in public order.
In Lahore, tensions flared as PTI supporters rallied in Liberty Chowk to show solidarity with the independent candidates. Police intervened and detained eight individuals, sparking outcry from the protestors.
Elsewhere in the city, NA-119 candidate Shehzad Farooq, who lost to PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, was also arrested for protesting against alleged rigging in the elections. He claimed they were peacefully protesting when they were apprehended.
Police has arrested our candidate in NA119 Shehzad Farooq for peacefully protesting against rigging
— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 11, 2024
Note that Shehzad is contesting against Maryam Nawaz pic.twitter.com/hsX9BGR7YL
In the wake of a possible protest by PTI-backed independent candidates, 800 police personnel were deputed outside the Lahore residence of PTI Founder Imran Khan in Zaman Park. Personnel of Dolphin Force and district police were deployed along with prisoner vans. Moreover, more than 1,600 police officers have been deployed at Liberty Chowk along with a water cannon and a prisoner van.
DIG (Operations) Ali Nasir Rizvi visited Zaman Park and reviewed security arrangements and personnel deployment. "Nobody will be allowed to disrupt peace and order," he said. "Those who take the law into their hands will be dealt with strictly."
Similar scenes unfolded in Rawalpindi, where PTI workers gathered near Murree Road and Sadiqabad Chowk, chanting slogans in favour of the party's leadership. However, the protests were swiftly dispersed by the police, who took several demonstrators into custody.
Later, successful independent candidate from PP-19, Tanveerul Islam Raja, and independent candidates from NA-56, Sheheryar Riaz, reached the demonstration site.
A heavy contingent of police was deployed outside the District Election Commissioner's office after the PTI announced protests against the election results. A contingent of male and female police officers and elite police commandos was present, while the road leading to the district election commissioner's office was blocked by containers.
The road closures and disruptions to traffic further exacerbated tensions in the area.
Meanwhile, in Peshawar, PTI supporters staged a sit-in on the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway, alleging electoral fraud in eight constituencies of Peshawar. Protestors claimed that the election results had been tampered with and demanded a recount.
The protests underscored the deep-seated grievances and frustrations among PTI supporters regarding the electoral process. Despite assurances from authorities to address any legitimate concerns, the confrontations with law enforcement highlight the challenges in reconciling political grievances with maintaining public order.
