The Punjab Police has arrested hundreds of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and other cities, while the federal government is considering handing over the security of the Red Zone in Islamabad to the Rangers.
More than 170 more PTI workers have been detained in the case of protest, arson and vandalism in Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi September 28, bringing the total number of arrests in the city to over 300. According to the police, the process of identifying the suspects from videos on social media and the footage of Safe City cameras is also underway.
In Lahore, police arrested 84 PTI workers, many of whom were wanted in other cases, including those related to the violent incidents of May 9 and September 21. The arrests were made in view of the threats of disturbance of peace from Kahna, Nishtar Colony, Ghalib Market, and Gulberg.
According to the Lahore police, Section 144 remains in effect, and strict action will be taken against violators.
In Faisalabad also, PTI workers were arrested for violating Section 144, with five cases registered against 116 nominated individuals. However, the MPAs arrested yesterday in the cases could not be nominated, including protest leader Hammad Azhar. Policemen were reportedly subjected to violence during the protest yesterday and nine MPA were arrested, however, none of them could be nominated in the cases.
In the case of protesting on the instructions of PTI Founder Imran Khan on October 2 in Mianwali, 47 PTI workers, including 22 nominated and 25 unidentified, were charged under various provisions, including the Anti-Terrorism Act.
According to the FIR, the police had issued repeated warnings and cautioned, adding that when the protesters did not comply, they were stopped, at which they started pelting the police with stones. Tear gas was used to disperse the crowd, and authorities attempted to clear the business centre at Committee Chowk.
Meanwhile, the federal government is considering deploying Rangers to secure the Red Zone in Islamabad due to the presence of foreign dignitaries in the city for the upcoming SCO Conference. Sources indicate that Rangers personnel will be stationed outside important government buildings and at key entrances to the Red Zone until the conclusion of the event.
Amidst the heightened political tensions, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has vowed to lead a protest at D-Chowk on October 4. In a video message, he accused the federal government of blocking the PTI’s efforts to protest, calling it "fascism" and reaffirming his commitment to reaching D-Chowk despite any obstacles.
