Tensions in Rawalpindi increased as violent conflicts broke out between Punjab Police and supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) close to Committee Chowk.
PTI Chairman Bairastr Gohar Ali Khan and leader Salman Akram Raja were arrested by Punjab Police during the chaos as they were driving to Rawalpindi, according to Express News, close to the H-13 area.
Bairastr Goher was freed shortly after their arrest, while Salman Akram Raja is still being held.
After a quarrel, Gohar said that Raja and him were stopped at H-13 and told to return, stopping them from going to Rawalpindi.
Residents, especially women and children, were distressed when tear gas canisters fell into neighboring homes as a result of the deployment of the gas. The bombardment also had an impact on the media who were covering the protests.
PTI workers from Committee Chowk, Rialto Chowk, and China Market congregated on Murree Road, creating an uncomfortable scenario for those transiting the region.
Workers persisted in gathering at Committee Chowk, Mareer Chowk, and China Market in defiance of police operations, forcing some policemen to flee and resulting in the detention of many protestors.
Thousands of police personnel were stationed around the city, and important places had already been shut off and entrance points barred by the Rawalpindi government.
Section 144, which prohibits meetings, political demonstrations, and the exhibition of firearms, went into effect on September 28 and 29.
Authorities have set up containers to obstruct important roads, carried out raids, and searched homes door to door in order to apprehend PTI leaders and ardent followers ahead of the scheduled rallies at Liaquat Bagh.
