In Islamabad, police have apprehended several members and leaders of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in a series of raids, according to party officials and authorities.
A police spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that four individuals were detained, while the PTI claims that 13 people were taken into custody from various locations around the capital, including some outside the parliament building. These arrests come in the wake of a major PTI demonstration on Sunday, which called for the release of Khan, who has been imprisoned for over a year.
The crackdown began late on Monday, with PTI President Gohar Khan among those detained. Imran Khan, who was ousted as prime minister in 2022 following a dispute with military leaders, has faced ongoing challenges to his political career.
Footage from the scene depicted police officers escorting the detained lawmakers into vehicles, prompting opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan to describe the actions as “despicable”. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari condemned the arrests as illegal, stating that the large protest held the previous day had clearly unsettled the government.
Other notable figures taken into custody include senior PTI leaders Shoaib Shaheen and Sher Afzal Marwat. Despite PTI candidates winning the most seats in the February general elections, they were unable to secure a majority, allowing rivals to form a coalition government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The rally demanding Khan’s release turned violent when clashes broke out between supporters and police, resulting in injuries to a senior police officer. PTI alleged that the violence was provoked by the police using tear gas against peaceful protesters.
At the rally, PTI leaders, including Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, criticised both the ruling alliance and the military. Gandapur warned against any potential military trial for Khan, asserting his defiance against the army.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused Gandapur of inciting violence and making threats to forcibly free Khan. In response, PTI shared a message from Khan on social media, expressing gratitude to supporters for their brave and peaceful demonstration, and urging them to continue the fight against oppression.
