Protests have erupted across various cities in Pakistan as workers and lawyers affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally against alleged electoral irregularities in the recent elections.
In Lahore, demonstrators gathered at GPO Chowk, where PTI lawyers attempted to enter the parking lot, but were barred by police forces. Among those detained were prominent PTI workers Shahzad Farooq and Hafiz Zeeshan.
این اے 117 علی اعجاز بُٹر کی قیادت میں ریلی جی پی او چوک روانگی کے لیے تیار #مینڈیٹ_پر_ڈاکہ_نامنظور pic.twitter.com/9l0rJwNyU4
— PTI (@PTIofficial) March 2, 2024
The protests in Lahore saw slogans raised in favour of the PTI and its founder Imran Khan, with demonstrators demanding justice and the release of both party workers and Imran Khan. Despite police efforts to negotiate, tensions remained high as protestors voiced their discontent over the election results.
Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, a rally led by Sher Afzal Marwat commenced from Liaquat Bagh, with participants expressing outrage over alleged election rigging. The rally, marked by slogans condemning electoral fraud, attracted a heavy police presence along Murree Road, including units such as the Dolphin Force.
Rally in Rawalpindi has started with Seemabia Tahir and Sher Afzal Marwat! #مینڈیٹ_پر_ڈاکہ_نامنظور pic.twitter.com/zmUEFk317q
— PTI (@PTIofficial) March 2, 2024
Key party figures, including the Sunni Ittehad Council-backed Sheheryar Riaz, and Ajmal Sabir, were also present to express solidarity with the PTI protestors. Amidst the demonstrations, Riaz emphasized the party's commitment to peaceful protests across country, against what they perceived as the theft of electoral mandates.
He stated that the protests would continue until justice prevailed and electoral transparency was ensured. Riaz emphasized the need for accountability and vowed to pursue legal avenues alongside street demonstrations to address alleged irregularities.
📍 Pindi Press club, workers are reaching for the peaceful protest! #مینڈیٹ_پر_ڈاکہ_نامنظور pic.twitter.com/1nMhtdAcWT
— PTI (@PTIofficial) March 2, 2024
In Attock, PTI leader Major (retd) Tahir Sadiq claimed that the police had surrounded his house, and people were facing problems due to the road closures. He further alleged that over 10 PTI workers had been arrested.
The PTI's protests against electoral malpractice have garnered support from various quarters across Pakistan, with citizens expressing solidarity with the party's efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the election results. As tensions simmer amidst ongoing demonstrations, the PTI remains steadfast in its pursuit of electoral integrity and justice.
