ISLAMABAD: As the deadline for the PTI rally expired, the Islamabad police began arresting individuals heading to the event from the 26 Number Chowki.
The police resorted to shelling at the location after the rally time had lapsed, and an tv tv reporter was also taken into custody. He was later released.
According to Islamabad police, the shelling was initiated in response to stone-throwing from the protesters, resulting in injuries to several police personnel, including the SSP of Safe City.
Earlier, police detained a reporter Afzal Javed, placing him in a prisoner transport van. Despite Javed identifying himself as a media representative, the officers refused to acknowledge his status and attempted to seize his phone.
But the SSP of operations later intervened, releasing Javed upon verification of his identity and apologising for the incident.