Punjab Police
MUZAFFARGARH: Police launched a large-scale crackdown across Punjab, arresting numerous Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers for violating Section 144 during protests organized by the party on February 8.
The arrests came as authorities sought to prevent demonstrations in multiple districts, leading to clashes between law enforcement and PTI supporters.
In Layyah, police detained MPA Shoaib Amir Awan from his residence, while another MPA was arrested in the Chobara area. The arrests were recorded in a viral social media video.
Cases were registered against Awan in Chowk Azam and Chobara police stations, and he was moved to an undisclosed location. Authorities maintained a strong presence in the region to curb further protests.
Similarly, in Muzaffargarh, protests led by MNA Jamshed Dasti and Shafiq Malana resulted in tense encounters between demonstrators and the police. Reports indicated that scuffles broke out as authorities attempted to disperse the gatherings.
In Sahiwal and Pakpattan, police arrested around 70 PTI workers and leaders, including retired Major Ghulam Sarwar, an MPA. Multiple raids were carried out at different locations, with PTI leaders alleging that many of their workers were taken from their homes.
Law enforcement officials in Sahiwal confirmed the arrest of 15 individuals, though PTI leaders claimed the actual number exceeded 40. In Pakpattan, authorities arrested 43 party workers and deployed 250 officers across 15 checkpoints to block further protests.
In Gujrat, police detained at least eight PTI workers near Kunjah as they attempted to stage a demonstration led by Sumaira Elahi. Security personnel dispersed the remaining participants and registered formal cases against those arrested.
Meanwhile, in Alipur Chattha, PTI Central Punjab President MNA Muhammad Ahmed Chattha led a small rally where participants waved party flags and demanded the release of Imran Khan. However, Gujrat remained largely calm as police maintained a heavy presence at major intersections and bridges.
In Multan, PTI leaders Meher Bano Qureshi, Zahid Bahar Hashmi, and Diler Mahar were arrested while leading a protest. The arrests occurred at PTI’s divisional headquarters, with police detaining several workers as well. In a video statement recorded from police custody, Meher Bano Qureshi revealed that they were being moved to an undisclosed location.
In Okara, authorities registered cases against 68 PTI workers, including 51 nominated individuals, and arrested six activists in two separate protest rallies. One rally, led by Mehr Abdul Sattar, a PTI provincial assembly ticket holder, began in village 11/4L.
Protesters chanted slogans against the government but were intercepted by police near Tabrook-Shahbore Road, where officers warned them against violating Section 144. The confrontation led to clashes, resulting in injuries to two constables.
Another rally, led by a PTI National Assembly ticket holder from NA-138, was blocked in Basirpur. Four activists were arrested, while several others were booked under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Additionally, authorities imposed charges under the Punjab Sound Systems Regulation Act to curb further demonstrations.
As the crackdown continues, PTI leaders have strongly condemned the arrests, calling them an attempt to suppress political dissent ahead of the elections. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies remain on high alert across Punjab to prevent further unrest.
