Khan’s Call and Pindi Responded
The evening of 27th September marked a turning point as authorities sealed Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi with containers to prevent a protest called by Imran Khan, the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), from Adiyala Jail. Despite the government’s efforts to contain the situation, a massive wave of PTI supporters took to the streets, defying the measures and turning Rawalpindi into a chaotic battleground.
Khan’s Call and Pindi Responded
Tensions escalated as the protest gathered momentum. PTI workers removed the containers blocking their path, chanting slogans against the current government. The streets around Committee Chowk became the centre of the unrest, with demonstrators marching towards Liaquat Bagh. In response, the police launched tear gas in an attempt to disperse the swelling crowd. However, the resistance intensified, and clashes erupted between the police and PTI supporters, with protesters retaliating by throwing stones.
The situation worsened as the conflict spread along Murree Road, with police reinforcements arriving to regain control. Tear gas shells not only hit protesters but also landed in nearby homes, causing distress among women and children. Civilians struggling with breathing difficulties surfaced in reports, while journalists covering the protest were also affected by the tear gas. Some PTI workers sustained injuries, with some reportedly suffering from live bullets.
Chaos in Rawalpindi: Khan’s Call and Pindi Responded
By the afternoon, the scale of the clashes between PTI supporters and the police had significantly increased. The unrest continued well into the night. In the midst of the chaos, a large protest rally led by PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur made its way toward Rawalpindi. Although facing hurdles, including tear gas shelling by the Punjab Police, Gandapur managed to progress towards Liaquat Bagh, where he eventually called off the rally and headed back to Peshawar. Before retreating, Gandapur addressed the crowd, announcing the call for “Inqilaab” (revolution).
Gandapur’s message was clear: Pakistan belongs to all its people—Punjabis, Sindhis, Balochis, Pashtuns, and Kashmiris. He expressed his anger over the violence against PTI workers, revealing that many had been injured or shot at during the protest. Despite the brutal crackdown, he highlighted PTI’s restraint, claiming that his supporters spared police officers out of compassion for their families. However, he warned that continued violence from the authorities would not go unanswered.
Khan’s Call and Pindi Responded: A Call for Revolution
Later, Gandapur issued a video statement, reiterating his message to the PDM government and Pakistan’s institutions. He condemned the state’s actions against PTI supporters, calling out the repression and brutality. In a passionate declaration, he officially announced the need for a revolution, stating that peaceful protests were no longer enough to achieve justice.
His message was one of defiance, urging PTI supporters to remain steadfast in their struggle for freedom. He warned the authorities that if they continued to shoot, PTI would retaliate in kind. His message emphasized that the time had come for the people to make political decisions, free from the interference of state institutions.
In conclusion, the day was marked by chaos, violence, and a growing call for change. Khan’s call and Pindi responded, with thousands taking to the streets, and despite the police crackdown, the protest showed no signs of weakening. As Gandapur’s message of revolution reverberated through the ranks of PTI supporters, the future of Pakistan’s political landscape seemed poised for a seismic shift.
