The crackdown on PTI lawmakers and leaders in Islamabad comes after a massive rally demanding Imran Khan’s release from jail.
Several lawmakers and leaders from former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), were arrested in a series of raids in Islamabad by the police. While the authorities mentioned four arrests, PTI claimed that 13 members were detained from various locations, including outside parliament.
The raids followed a PTI rally on Sunday advocating for the release of Imran Khan, who has been in jail for over a year. The crackdown commenced on Monday night, with PTI president Gohar Khan taken into custody. Khan was ousted as prime minister in 2022 due to disputes with military generals.
Despite PTI winning the most seats in the recent general election, they lacked the majority to form a government, leading to a ruling alliance led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The rally for Khan’s release faced clashes, with PTI accusing the police of provoking violence.
Khan expressed gratitude to his supporters for standing up peacefully, highlighting their courage to fight against oppression.