The Punjab Police have arrested hundreds of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers across Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and other cities, as the federal government considers transferring security responsibilities for Islamabad’s Red Zone to the Rangers.
In Rawalpindi, over 170 additional PTI members were detained on charges related to protests, arson, and vandalism in Liaquat Bagh on September 28, raising the total number of arrests in the city to more than 300. Police are also in the process of identifying suspects through social media videos and Safe City camera footage.
In Lahore, police detained 84 PTI workers, many of whom were already wanted in connection with violent incidents on May 9 and September 21. These arrests occurred in response to concerns over potential disruptions to peace in areas including Kahna, Nishtar Colony, Ghalib Market, and Gulberg.
Lahore police have emphasized that Section 144 remains in effect and warned that strict action will be taken against violators.
In Faisalabad, PTI workers were similarly arrested for breaching Section 144, with five cases filed against 116 named individuals. However, none of the arrested members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) from yesterday’s protests, including protest leader Hammad Azhar, were officially named in the cases. Reports indicate that police faced violence during the protests, resulting in the arrest of nine MPAs, none of whom were nominated in any charges.
Following instructions from PTI founder Imran Khan, 47 PTI workers in Mianwali were charged under various provisions, including the Anti-Terrorism Act, during a protest on October 2. According to the First Information Report (FIR), police had issued multiple warnings, but when protesters refused to comply, they responded by throwing stones. Tear gas was deployed to disperse the crowd as authorities attempted to clear the area around Committee Chowk.
Amidst rising political tensions, the federal government is contemplating the deployment of Rangers to secure the Red Zone in Islamabad, particularly with foreign dignitaries arriving for the upcoming SCO Conference. Sources suggest that Rangers will be positioned outside key government buildings and at main entrances to the Red Zone until the event concludes.
In response to the escalating situation, 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 obstructing the PTI’s protest efforts, labeling it “fascism,” and reaffirmed his commitment to reaching D-Chowk despite any challenges.
