As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gears up for its rally in Islamabad, law enforcement agencies have intensified a widespread crackdown to arrest party activists in Lahore.

According to police sources, entry and exit points in Shahdara have been declared sensitive, with containers likely to be placed in the area to control movement in case of a protest or march towards Islamabad.

The sources say that special police squads are being deployed at the entry and exit routes. Authorities have also completed coordination between Islamabad and Punjab districts to monitor and curb potential unrest.

In Lahore, police have been conducting raids on homes, offices, and outhouses linked to PTI supporters, arresting over 500 activists so far from various areas, including Millat Park, Hanjarwal, Mansoora, Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate, and Green Town.

Raids have also been conducted in Shahdara Town, Shahdara, Badami Bagh, and Tajpura. Police sources say that the arrests are being carried out based on lists of individuals suspected of involvement in activities that could disrupt law and order.

From Iqbal Town division alone, 65 individuals were detained on concerns of disturbing law and order, while 14 arrests were made last night from Green Town and Township.

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province from November 23 to 25, banning all protests, gatherings, processions, rallies, and sit-ins. The decision, announced through an official notification, aims to maintain law and order in the region.

Authorities have stated that the ban is being implemented in light of potential unrest and public gatherings during this period. The move comes as a precautionary measure to prevent disturbances and ensure the safety of citizens and property.