Islamabad police prevented participants of a pro-Palestine rally, led by former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, from reaching the US embassy at Abpara Chowk.

Clashes erupted between police and protesters. Police arrested Senator Mushtaq and approximately 20 others.

The protest was organized by the Muslim Tulba Mahaz under former Senator Mushtaq’s leadership. A heavy police contingent was deployed on both sides of Abpara Market Road.

When participants, who had joined the protest after Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid Shuhada, attempted to march towards the US embassy, police responded with what witnesses described as excessive force to disperse the crowd.

Senator Mushtaq was also allegedly subjected to brutal treatment by the police. Furthermore, police closed Aabpara Market.

Shopkeepers resisted the closure, leading to heated exchanges with police officers. After the dispersal of the protesters, groups of people remained in the market. Police vans and armored vehicles arrived at Abpara Chowk.