Mubashir Nadeem
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Rawalpindi on September 28, 2024, saw a reasonable but significant turnout despite heavy restrictions and obstacles set up by the government. Although exact numbers are complex to verify due to the protest’s complex nature, reporters suggested that many PTI supporters reached around the outskirts of Liaquat Bagh, indicating strong resistance against the government’s efforts to suppress the protest. The protesters’ determination was evident as they helmed through a city made almost inaccessible by the authorities.
Government Response: The government’s response to the protest was marked by stringent measures aimed at controlling the movement into Rawalpindi and particularly towards the protest venue, Liaqat Bagh. The government had already promulgated colonial law, section 144 and roads were closed due to the deployment of heavy containers.
City Shutdown: The government employed tactics like placing shipping containers across roads, effectively sealing off major routes into Rawalpindi. This was intended to prevent large gatherings but resulted in a significant disruption of daily life in the city.
Internet and Communication Restrictions: There were reports of internet services being curtailed, which could be an attempt to prevent real-time organization and communication among protesters.
Use of Force: The police were reported to have used tear gas and rubber bullets against the protesters. This aggressive response not only aimed at dispersing the crowd but also highlighted the government’s readiness to use force not to allow the protest.
Public Reaction and Sentiment: The sentiment captured through social media and on-field was one of outrage and solidarity with PTI. The use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and the overall heavy-handed approach by the police was widely condemned, with many expressing that such actions only bolstered the resolve of PTI supporters. There was a strong narrative of suppression of democratic rights, with the public feeling that their right to peaceful protest was being violently curtailed. The constitution of Pakistan allows citizens and political parties to hold peaceful demonstrations.
Economic Impact: While specific economic impact figures from the event can not be counted directly, the disruption caused by the protest and the government’s response likely had significant economic repercussions for city life. Reports mentioned potential business closures due to the city’s lockdown, suggesting an adverse effect on local commerce and daily financial activities.
Political Implications: The event underscores the ongoing political tension in Pakistan, particularly around the PTI’s allegations of election rigging, the independent judiciary, and the release of Imran Khan from jail. The government’s hardline response might have unintended consequences, potentially increasing public sympathy towards the PTI or leading to further unrest. Conversely, it might be seen as a necessary measure to maintain law and order during what could escalate into chaos. However, it has not given the government any advantage; instead, PTI has gained more sympathy from the public.
Conclusion: The PTI protest in Rawalpindi on September 28, 2024, was a significant flashpoint in Pakistani politics, marked by considerable resistance from PTI supporters against government-imposed restrictions. The government’s use of force and city lockdown tactics illustrates the lengths to which authorities went to control the protest—the government might have done it potentially at the cost of public goodwill and economic stability. The event’s portrayal on social media and other public platforms has fueled discussions on democratic rights, governance, and the rule of law in Pakistan, with implications that could extend beyond immediate political outcomes into broader societal changes. Lastly, the local residents of Rawalpindi showed up as the KPK contingent under the guidance of CM KPK turned back at the peak of the protest, signalling a number of questions to be asked.
