A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) convoy marched to Islamabad yesterday, led by former prime minister Imran Khan. PTI supporters also organized their own peaceful protests throughout the country. However, the protests turned violent when law enforcement officials intervened with force in an effort to breakup the protestors. This comes after what has been a week of PTI leaders being arrested for criticizing certain individuals.
Last month, many celebrities were spotted at PTI sit-ins after Khan’s ouster. Some of them could also be seen protesting yesterday, braving through tear gas and gunfire. Those who could not be present in-person were vocal on social media.
Actress Samina Peerzada posted several times on Twitter in support of PTI leadership and workers.
حقیقی آزادی تحریک زندہ باد
— Samina Peerzada (@SaminaSays) May 26, 2022
Actress Maryam Nafees attended the protest in Islamabad despite tear gas shelling.
• It’s 4:30 in the morning and they’re still continuing to throw horrid skin and eye burning tear gas to disperse protestors. Kis kis ko rokoge? @PTIofficial #حقیقی_آزادی_مارچ pic.twitter.com/s97kmHaGo1
— Mariyam Nafees Amaan (@MariyamNafeees) May 26, 2022
Shaan Shahid has been very vocal about his support for PTI in the past. The actor even gave a speech at a sit-in earlier this year.
Haq per datay huway.. kabhi nahi jhukay..@ImranKhanPTI pic.twitter.com/WmZ1sg8tjJ
— Shaan Shahid (@mshaanshahid) May 25, 2022
Musician-actor Haroon Shahid was present at the Karachi protests. He was tweeting live updates informing fellow supporters of how the situation was unfolding.
Please do not bring children along with you!! Sindh police is up to no good. #LongMarch
— Haroon Shahid (@Haroon_5hahid) May 25, 2022
Singer Quratulain Balouch tweeted in support of PTI, drawing parallels between Imran Khan and Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Lets go!
#LongMarch pic.twitter.com/eVr7phs3Pt
— Quratulain Balouch (@Quratulainb) May 25, 2022
Osman Khalid Butt was present at the Islamabad protests. The actor posted updates on the situation for his followers.
The shelling was intense – you can see the after-effects in the air.
We were also told the small fires on the sides of the road were to counter the tear gas.— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) May 25, 2022
Imran Abbas was present at the protest in Islamabad. He posted an update on his Instagram encouraging his followers to come join the march to D Chowk.
Others, including fashion designer Munib Nawaz and singer Annie Khalid, also condemned the violence against PTI supporters and reaffirmed their support for Khan.