PTI continues to protest against Imran Khan’s arrest on day two as Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments seek the Pakistan army deployment in both provinces.

Clashes were reported in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, and Karachi.

The government has already suspended internet services across the country, as PTI workers took to the streets to protest the arrest of Imran Khan.

People from across the country also said they were facing difficulties in accessing social media platforms as well.

Protests

Party workers and supporters started gathering in major cities right after Imran Khan was arrested. Authorities have decided to impose Section 144 across Punjab.

PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged party supporters to stay calm but stressed that ‘this is not the time to stay at home’.

Peshawar

PTI workers continue to protest outside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Chowk and came face to face with the police.

PTI protesters once again gathered on GT Road and tried to move towards Khyber Road, but the police resorted to shelling to disperse the protesters and pushed the protesters back from Qila Bala Hisar.

Edhi’s ambulance was set on fire by the protesters. Moreover, the Radio Pakistan building was also set on fire by the workers.

Earlier, A large number of PTI protestors poured onto the streets following the news of Imran Khan’s arrest, with some even trying to obstruct the BRT track.

Workers initially gathered at Hashtnagri and blocked the GT Road by using stones as obstruction. Protestors also gathered at Assembly Chowk where police used tear gas to disperse them. Protestors also blocked University Road.

Islamabad

Metro bus services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi was suspended after the arrest of the former prime minister.

Citizens are facing difficulties due to the suspension of metro services.

Police used water cannons and teargas shells at the Srinagar Highway as PTI workers tried to reach Police Lines Headquarters in Islamabad’s H11.

Earlier, Protestors blocked Faizabad, the main crossing between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, from all four sides.

Protests also took place at Sohan and Tarnol, blocking roads and leading to long traffic queues.

Lahore

In Lahore, six PTI workers were arrested in front of the Governor’s House on Mall Road.

CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddiq, leading the Kamana police force, left for Zaman Park, police are taking water cannons with them and dispersing the workers on the way.

Police also seized the truck from PTI workers and arrested the driver. The workers also attacked Shadman Police Station and vandalised the gate of the police station.

The agitators also damaged vehicles and motorcycles parked outside the police station.

So far, Police have arrested 945 workers from across Punjab following PTI protests against Imran Khan’s arrest.

According to the police, more than 130 police officers and personnel were injured, and more than 25 vehicles of police and government institutions were destroyed. Protesters attacked more than 14 government buildings, looted, and severely damaged public property.

On Tuesday, Protest in Lahore began with workers gathering and chanting slogans at Zaman Park. Police used water cannons to disperse them.

A large crowd then gathered and marched towards Lahore’s cantt area. Most protestors marched on foot waving party flags and brandishing sticks.

PTI protestors set four police vehicles on fire near the corp commander house. Reports said that Section 144 has been imposed across the province.

Shanghai bridge on Ferozepur road was blocked by PTI supporters while a group of lawyers blocked GPO chowk and chanted slogans.

A tense standoff between protestors and police led to stone pelting near Mall road by PTI supporters. Police responded with baton charge and water cannons.

Karachi

On Wednesday, Women workers of PTI protested at Dalmia Road, on which the police baton-charged the workers. Three women activists were detained as well.

Security in Karachi is on high alert in view of possible protests by PTI. DIG East Pavitra Haider reached Millennium Mall with a heavy contingent.

PTI protesters gathered at Millennium Mall and pelted stones at the police. In response, the police used tear gas shelling and aerial firing to disperse the protesters. Police detained 35 protesters.

Police had called for a prisoner’s van for arrests, an anti-rights team is also present on Millennium Mall Road. Heavy police and Rangers personnel have been deployed near the Shahrah-e-Faisal’s FTC Bridge at the Nursery site.

Police and Rangers are on alert to take action against miscreants.

Earlier, PTI leader Ali Zaidi was arrested after he asked supporters to gather at Shahrah-e-Faisal to protest the arrest of Imran Khan. The party has asked traders and transporters to participate in the strike.

A police vehicle was set on fire by protestors while police resorted to tear gas to scatter the protestors.

“It’s time to shut down this country. Everyone must come out on the streets now,” he tweeted. Party workers are also gathering at Insaf House.

PTI workers also gathered at Nursery in Karachi. Police imposed strict security but failed to deter protesters from reaching the venue. After a while, the police managed to open one side of the road for traffic.

Quaidabad also became a site of a standoff between police and protestors after large numbers gathered near Murghi Khana.

Police arrested five protestors including one woman from Shahrah e Faisal.

Quetta

According to police, 33 people, including the brother of former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Suri, were arrested during raids in different parts of the city.

Those arrested include Bilal Suri, Nasir Agha Advocate, Muhammad Sharif, Sultan Farooq Hameedullah, Tayyab, Syed Israrullah, Mustafa, Syed Khalil, Mubashir, and Qaimuddin.

Police also raided the house of former Balochistan Governor Syed Zahoor Agha but he could not be arrested as he was not present at home.

Earlier, protests initially began at Airport Road, which turned into clashes when police arrived and baton-charged the workers.

PTI workers then blocked the International Highway, and the Quetta-Chaman Highway at Khojak Top and Syed Hameed Cross.

Trucks from the Afghan transit trade are also being held up due to road blockages.

Faisalabad

PTI workers gathered at multiple places in the city and stones were pelted at the residence of Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

PTI and PMLN protestors came face to face at one point and police had to tear gas both groups to prevent a confrontation.

Schools

The Private Schools Association announced that schools across the country will remain closed on Wednesday. The British Council also announced that O and A Level exams will be postponed and an alternative schedule announced later.

However, government schools in Karachi will open normally and matriculation exams will also go ahead as per schedule.