LAHORE, May 25(ABC): Political tensions are at an all-time high in Pakistan with all eyes on Islamabad as the city braces itself for the arrival of PTI workers and leaders heading towards the federal capital for the party’s Azadi March despite the government’s instructions not to.
So far, the day has been filled with political drama. Lahore turned into a battleground as multiple scuffles took place between the police and PTI marchers as the latter tried to wriggle out of the barricades placed on their way.
Law enforcement is on high alert and the government has given instructions to take “all possible measures” to stop the PTI’s ‘Azadi March’. PTI Chairman Imran Khan is leading the march, which he has said will be the “biggest” in Pakistan’s political history, while Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah will address the public shortly over the ongoing situation.
Police attempt to nab Hammad Azhar
In order to restrain Lahore’s rally from entering Islamabad, the police tried to arrest former energy minister and senior PTI leader Hammad Azhar; however, party workers managed to save him.
Police arrested district president of PTI Ali Asjad Malhi, among other party workers from Sialkot. The authorities managed to disperse the workers with the help of tear gas.
Keep routes to hospitals open: interior minister
Amid the ongoing clashes in the federal capital, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah directed the Islamabad police and administration to allow all government employees on duty to enter the federal capital. Meanwhile, he said media persons shouldn’t be stopped and routes heading towards hospitals should remain open.
The interior minister has also tweeted that he would be addressing a press conference shortly to address the ongoing situation.