Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party walk past a banner of their leader and jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Peshawar. File
| Photo Credit: AFP

Pakistani Rangers guard the area, after security forces launched a raid on supporters of the former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 27, 2024
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Pakistani authorities have booked 150 suspects and arrested 22 of them, mostly belonging to Imran Khan’s party, for allegedly propagating against the Army on social media on the killings of the party workers in Islamabad on November 26, an official said on Wednesday (December 11, 2024).

According to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), at least 12 party workers were killed and hundreds wounded when law enforcers opened fire on the protesters in Islamabad on November 26. It also claims that around 105 party workers have been missing since then.

Following the incident, Khan’s supporters started blaming the Pakistan Army for opening fire on the peaceful protesters.

The Shehbaz Sharif-led government denied that the law enforcers opened fire on the protesters and pledged to take strict action against those propagating on social media.

The government formed a special task force headed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) chief to NAB such elements.

“Subsequently, the FIA cybercrime wing booked some 150 suspects and arrested 22 social media activists across the country,” an FIA officer said.

He said that the FIA made 117 raids, mostly in Punjab, to arrest the suspects involved in the propaganda against the state institutions.

The suspects (social media activists) have been booked under different sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

Earlier, Amnesty International had demanded a transparent investigation of the state’s “deadly crackdown” to disperse PTI supporters from Islamabad’s D-Chowk where they had gathered for the release of their incarcerated leader and former prime minister.

More than 10,000 protesters surged into Islamabad on Nov 26, defying a ban on public gatherings and a lockdown to skirmish with 20,000 security forces enlisted to turn them back. As Khan supporters inched towards the heavily barricaded D-Chowk, the police and security forces used intense teargas shelling to disperse the protesters.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had said the law enforcers had “bravely repulsed the protesters” without using firearms. Khan’s party harshly criticised the interior minister for his statements and blamed him for the alleged violence against its supporters, claiming multiple deaths.

Condemning the violence, Amnesty demanded a “prompt, thorough, impartial, effective and transparent investigation” into the deaths and injuries of protesters as well as the unlawful use of force, including lethal and less-lethal weapons, by security personnel.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. File
| Photo Credit: AP

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday (November 29, 2024) announced the formation of a task force, to be led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, to identify the perpetrators of chaos during a protest by jailed former premier Imran Khan’s party earlier in the week.

The Prime Minister also announced the establishment of a Federal Anti-Riots Force to prevent any future attempt to create chaos and disorder in the country.

Also Read: Protest nation: On the state of Pakistan

Mr. Sharif’s remarks, while addressing a high-level meeting on the law and order situation in the country, came days after Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) launched a march towards Islamabad demanding his release.

The Naqvi-led task force will include Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and representatives from the security forces.

Mr. Sharif said that the task force would ensure the identification of armed individuals involved in spreading chaos last Sunday and recommend exemplary punishment.

The Prime Minister said the proposed Federal Anti-Riots Force will be equipped with international-standard professional capabilities and equipment.

The meeting also approved the establishment of a Federal Forensic Lab equipped with the latest technology to investigate such incidents and gather evidence.

He also termed Khan’s party a “fitna” (mischief), while lashing out at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for “using state resources for launching an onslaught” on Islamabad in the form of a protest.

“This is not a political party but a fitna (mischief) and a group of terrorists,” he said and directed to lodge cases against the groups involved in violence.

He also accused the PTI of killing security personnel during the protest, warning that the time has come to take strict action against the rioters.

He also said that the PTI would not be allowed to destroy Pakistan. “We need to break these hands (instead),” he said.

Talking about economic losses, he said that the protests and sit-ins cost Pakistan Rs 190 billion per day.

Khan’s party on Wednesday suspended “for the time being” its protest in Islamabad after a midnight crackdown by the authorities.

About a thousand protesters were arrested since Sunday when Khan’s party launched a march towards Islamabad demanding his release.

The crackdown forced Khan’s party supporters to retreat from D-Chowk in Islamabad’s Red Zone, where most government buildings are located, with his party describing the action as a “massacre” under the “fascist military regime”.

Supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, aim to throw stones with slingshot following police fire tear gas shell to disperse them during clashes, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 26, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AP

Supporters seeking the release of imprisoned Pakistani former premier Imran Khan on Tuesday (November 26, 2024) broke through a ring of shipping containers locking down the capital Islamabad, while at least six people have died in protest-related violence. Protesters battled security forces and ignored a government threat to respond with gunfire.

The dead included four members of the security services and one civilian who were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the attack on Tuesday, saying an “anarchist group” was deliberately targeting law enforcement personnel. There were no claims of responsibility for the ramming. A police officer died in a separate incident.

Shortly after midnight, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi threatened security forces would respond with live fire if protesters fired weapons at them.

“If they again fire bullets, the bullet will be responded with the bullet,” he said.

Police used tear gas to try and disperse the crowds. Scores of people more have been injured, including journalists who were attacked by Khan supporters. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for The Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was being treated in a hospital.

Pakistani media have mostly stopped filming and photographing the rally, instead focusing on the security measures and the city’s deserted streets.

Khan, who has been in jail for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases, remains popular. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, says the cases are politically motivated.

Authorities say only courts can order the release of Khan, who was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. He has been imprisoned since his first conviction in a graft case, in August 2023, and has been sentenced in several cases.

Khan’s supporters were around 10 km (6.2 miles) from their destination, the city’s Red Zone that houses key government buildings. Naqvi said Khan’s party rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city.

Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, who is leading the protest, told people to keep marching toward the Red Zone peacefully. She said another plan of action would be conveyed to protesters if Khan was not released. She also urged the government not to harm the demonstrators.

In a bid to foil the protest, police arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. On Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested.

Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All educational institutions remain closed. Mobile internet services and messaging platforms are experiencing severe disruption in the capital.

The PTI relies heavily on social media to demand his release and uses messaging platforms like WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible even with a VPN.

The violence comes during an official visit by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Sunday (November 24, 2024) vowed to “protect Islamabad” as thousands of supporters of Imran Khan made their way to the capital to stage a protest amid heavy deployment of security forces and restrictions on mobile and internet services.

The 72-year-old jailed former premier issued a “final call” on November 13 for nationwide protests on November 24, denouncing what he termed as the stolen mandate, the unjust arrests of people and the passage of the 26th amendment, which he said has strengthened a “dictatorial regime”.

His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has called on the public to join the march to “break the shackles of slavery”.

Mr. Naqvi criticised the timing of the protest, saying the protestors were using the same route through which the visiting delegation of Belarus was supposed to pass.

“If you wish to protest, that is your right, but you know exactly who is coming and you have been blocking off roads and causing trouble,” he said.

Meanwhile, the high-level delegation from Belarus, led by Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzinkov, arrived ahead of President Alexander Lukashenko’s official visit to Pakistan.

The delegation, including eight Ministers and 43 business leaders, was received by Mr. Naqvi.

President Lukashenko is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Monday (November 25, 2024). He will hold discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s chief of Army staff.

“Important agreements are expected to be signed during the visit to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries,” an official source said.

Before receiving the delegation, the minister visited the D-Chowk, where Khan’s party intended to hold a sit-in. The D-Chowk is located close to several important government buildings: the Presidency, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Parliament, and the Supreme Court. Rangers, along with police and Frontier Constabulary, have been deployed to monitor the area.

Talking to the media, Mr. Naqvi said the government has been forced to take strict security measures. “One option is that we let them come and paralyse Islamabad. The other option is to protect Islamabad,” he said, adding that those marching towards the D-Chowk would face arrests.

Mr. Naqvi maintained that the blockades were “not as bad as last time” and that the government was trying to give as much relief as possible to those inconvenienced.

“The area where they (the PTI) have called the protest is a protected area of Islamabad, monitored by the IG (inspector general) and DIG (deputy inspector general),” Mr. Naqvi said.

He also said that mobile services were still operational while the internet had been shut down in some areas.

Separately, Information Minister Atta Tarar said some routes in the city are closed, while others are still open. “The people responsible for the closure of the city are the PTI,” he said.

The government has announced a public holiday for the educational institutions in Islamabad due to roadblocks.

Meanwhile, Khan’s supporters were still away from the capital city and it was not clear when they would make it to the destination.

The federal government has taken several steps to block the protest, including deploying heavy security forces, sealing key roads, and setting up barriers around the capital.

Containers have been placed across the capital city, including along the Srinagar Highway, GT Road, and the Expressway, limiting access to strategic areas like D-Chowk, Islamabad Airport, and the A-11 point at New Margalla Road.

Earlier in the day, a convoy under the leadership of Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur left for Islamabad from Peshawar.

Geo News reported that Bibi was part of the convoy that started from Peshawar, but the KP Chief Minister was leading the protest. It was said that Bibi would not attend the protest.

KP government spokesperson Muhammad Ali Saif said all arrangements have been made to remove the obstacles. He alleged that last night the police opened fire on the anti-barricading machinery and tried to set it on fire, but the PTI supporters foiled the arson attempt.

He also said that the government still has time to fulfil their demands, warning that there could be a situation like Bangladesh, where a mass protest led by students toppled longtime prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in August.

Khan’s party shared pictures and videos of various groups leaving from different cities for Islamabad to take part in the protest.

In the national capital, police were taking no chances to let anyone enter the city and arrested about 16 protestors from the Faizabad area of Rawalpindi as they tried to enter Islamabad.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and PTI leader, Omar Ayub Khan, said that their goal is to reach the capital.

“Convoys from Abbottabad and Mansehra will also travel with us,” he said, adding that their mission is to release the PTI founder.

Meanwhile, internet tracking monitor Netblocks said WhatsApp backends have been restricted in Pakistan.

The Interior Ministry has emphasised that, in accordance with court orders, no protests or sit-ins will be allowed in Islamabad, and any attempts to disrupt public order will be met with legal action.

Khan, in a statement, urged the masses to unite for the protest, calling it a movement for freedom and justice.

The federal government has warned against any unlawful protests, stating that no one will be permitted to hold a demonstration in violation of judicial orders, with legal action promised against any violators.

Also, Pakistan Railways has suspended all train services between Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar in light of the ongoing PTI protest, according to the Express Tribune newspaper.

Public transport, including metro bus services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, has been halted, and all bus terminals at Faizabad, linking the twin cities, have been barricaded.

Section 144 – which prohibits gatherings of individuals – has been in effect in Islamabad since November 18.

Khan, 72, has been implicated in dozens of cases since his government was dismissed through a no-confidence motion in 2022. He has been in Adiala Jail at Rawalpindi since last year facing, according to his party, over 200 cases; got bail in some of them, was convicted in some others, and hearings going on for some more.

Khan’s party won the largest number of seats in the February general elections despite contesting as independents as the party was denied an election symbol and the PTI chief has already alleged that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its coalition partners, including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had “stolen the mandate” to grab power at the federal level.

Amid stringent measures put in place by the Pakistan Government to thwart the protest march on Sunday (November 24, 2024), jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party is preparing to proceed with its highly anticipated march towards Islamabad.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has called on the public to join the march to “break the shackles of slavery.” The federal government has taken several steps to block the protest, including deploying heavy security forces, sealing key roads, and setting up barriers around the capital.

The Interior Ministry has emphasised that, in accordance with court orders, no protests or sit-ins will be allowed in Islamabad, and any attempts to disrupt public order will be met with legal action.

Khan, in a statement, urged the masses to unite for the protest, calling it a movement for freedom and justice.

The PTI leaders, earlier on Sunday (Nov. 24), held a high-level meeting at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s House to finalise the strategy for the planned protest, Geo News reported.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has said that he will arrive in Swabi at 3 p.m. to oversee the preparations for the planned protest and lead the party’s march to Islamabad, the report added.

The Chief Minister also directed the party’s activists intending to attend the march to reach Swabi by 3 p.m.

Ignoring calls by the government to postpone the protest – the second one in as many months – Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) declared to go ahead with its planned march to Islamabad coinciding with the arrival of a large Belarusian delegation even as the authorities issued a warning of a potential threat during the protest.

The PTI gave a call last week for a long march to Islamabad to press for three demands: the release of the incarcerated party founder and other leaders, against the alleged “stolen mandate” during February 8 elections and restoration of the judiciary by revoking the recent 26th amendment to the Constitution that granted legislators more power in appointing top judges.

Meanwhile, Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, has opted not to participate in the protest but will oversee the convoys from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s House.

In preparation for the protest, Islamabad’s federal government has fortified security measures, sealing off several key roads and blocking routes leading to the Red Zone, where critical government buildings are located.

Containers have been placed across the city, including along the Srinagar Highway, GT Road, and the Expressway, limiting access to strategic areas like D-Chowk, Islamabad Airport, and the A-11 point at New Margalla Road.

Also read: Pakistan court gives 14-page questionnaire to Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi in Al-Qadir Trust case

Rangers, along with police and Frontier Constabulary (FC), have been deployed to monitor the area. The federal government has also warned against any unlawful protests, stating that no one will be permitted to hold a demonstration in violation of judicial orders, with legal action promised against any violators.

Also, Pakistan Railways has suspended all train services between Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar in light of the ongoing PTI protest, the Express Tribune reported.

According to railway authorities, services between Peshawar and Rawalpindi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, as well as between Multan and Faisalabad to Rawalpindi, have been halted immediately.

Additionally, all 25 train bookings for Sunday (Nov. 24) have been cancelled, and passengers will receive immediate refunds for their tickets.

The suspension of services and the cancellation of bookings have impacted daily commuters and travellers, as Pakistan Railways responds to the security situation surrounding the ongoing protests.

Section 144 – which prohibits gatherings of individuals – has been in effect in Islamabad since November 18. On the other hand, the Punjab government too has enforced Section 144 across the province from November 23 to November 25, banning protests, public gatherings, rallies, and sit-ins.

Despite the heightened security and restrictions, the PTI has remained persistent about proceeding with its protest march and subsequent sit-in to press for its demands.

Additionally, internet and mobile services have been partially suspended in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab as a precaution.

Users in Islamabad are facing partial disruptions in internet services at various locations, while it remains unhindered in neighbouring Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile, mobile services also remain fully operational in Rawalpindi.

Public transport, including metro bus services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, has been halted, and all bus terminals at Faizabad, linking the twin cities, have been barricaded.

Khan, 72, has been implicated in dozens of cases since his government was dismissed through a no-confidence motion in 2022. He has been in Adiala Jail at Rawalpindi since last year facing, according to his party, over 200 cases; got bail in some of them, convicted in some others, and hearings going on for some more.

Khan’s party won the largest number of seats in the February general elections despite contesting as independents as the party was denied an election symbol and the PTI chief has already alleged that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its coalition partners, including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had “stolen the mandate” to grab power at the federal level.

Relations between the PTI and the PML-N-led coalition government already tense since Khan’s — ouster in 2022 — have strained even more in recent times.

A supporter of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), throws back a tear gas shell during an anti-government rally in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Sunday (October 5, 2024).
| Photo Credit: Reuters

The law and order situation in the Pakistani capital remained tense for the second consecutive day on Sunday (October 6, 2024) as jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party decided to continue its protest against the government despite the mysterious disappearance of protest leader Ali Amin Gandapur.

Mr. Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party, in an overnight meeting, decided that the demonstration would go on until the party founder, Mr. Khan, asked his supporters to end it.

The political committee of PTI also decided that if Gandapur was arrested, senior party leader Azam Swati would lead the protest. If Mr. Swati is arrested, a new leader will be chosen to take command, according to the Dawn newspaper.

Mr. Khan has been incarcerated at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for more than a year. Upon his call for the rally, the PTI is demanding Mr. Khan’s release, independence of the judiciary, and protesting rising inflation.

The political committee also criticised the disappearance of protest leader Gandapur, who is the Chief Minister of the country’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The committee warned that there would be ‘serious repercussions’ if he was arrested.

Former National Assembly speaker and senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser told the Dawn newspaper that PTI’s political committee decided to continue the protest as long as it gets a clear directive from Mr. Khan to end the protest.

“It was also decided that Azam Swati will lead the protest if Gandapur is arrested.” However, he warned, arresting a sitting Chief Minister would be disastrous for the country and there would be serious repercussions.

Earlier, in an embarrassment to the Government, a large number of PTI protesters managed to reach Islamabad by overcoming multiple barriers.

The protesters made it to the capital even after Mr. Gandapur left them near the capital for the Chief Minister’s House and went incommunicado.

“The fate of Gandapur was unknown. The party and family members were unable to make any communication with him from Saturday (October 5, 2024) evening,” said his government spokesman, Muhammad Ali Saif.

Mr. Saif on Saturday (October 5, 2024) first claimed that Gandapur was “arrested”, but later in a post on X said that the “KP CM has not been formally arrested”.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had earlier claimed that no one would be allowed to enter Islamabad, vowing that proper arrangements were in place to deal with protesters.

Meanwhile, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provincial assembly announced to convene its session on Sunday (October 5, 2024) afternoon to discuss the issue of his disappearance.

Separately, Mr. Naqvi announced that 564 protestors, including 11 plainclothes personnel from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police, have been arrested during the protests. He said it was the first instance when police have been used in such demonstrations. He also said that among those arrested were 120 Afghan nationals.

He also said that the PTI had a plan to stage a sit-in until the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Tense situation prevailed in Islamabad amid Army deployment when supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan made it to D-Chowk in the heart of the capital to register a symbolic victory.

In Islamabad and Lahore, there were clashes between Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters and policemen.

In Lahore, the party workers tried to march towards Minar-e-Pakistan ground calling it a “do or die” situation.

Through the day, police prevented the PTI workers and supporters from reaching the D-Chowk in Islamabad lobbing tear gas shells, but rain and change of wind direction that blew smoke towards the policemen helped protesters reach the venue later in the evening.

However, around 9 pm, it was not clear if the protestors would stay on or leave the place. Law enforcement troops returned to D-Chowk after the rain stopped.

Khan has been incarcerated at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for more than a year. Upon his call for the rally, the PTI is demanding Khan’s release, independence of the judiciary, and protesting rising inflation.

In Lahore, party’s Punjab acting president Hammad Azhar said the party planned to celebrate Khan’s birthday on Saturday and pass a resolution for “Haqeeqi Azadi” (real freedom) at the Minar-e-Pakistan ground.

The Punjab government has so far picked up over 700 PTI workers in Lahore and elsewhere over two days, party claimed.

Earlier in the day, Khan posted a long message on X and urged his followers to reach the D-Chowk in Islamabad for protests and those from Punjab to joint at Lahore.

“I am so proud of all our people. Thank you for keeping the faith. You showed unfaltering resilience and courage as you came out yesterday & overcame unbelievable obstacles to keep marching forward towards D-Chowk,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court on Saturday directed the Pakistan government to stop any unlawful protest in the capital during the SCO summit duration and allocate a designated place to Khan’s party for demonstration.

Life in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore was paralysed for the second consecutive day with mobile network services suspended and major roads and entry points blocked as part of arrangements to maintain law and order situation.

On Saturday, amid rising tensions, authorities called in the Army here and at Lahore to prevent protest rallies by Khan’s supporters.

The Army would remain in Islamabad from October 5-17 to maintain law and order for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, officials said.

Pakistan is hosting the SCO summit on October 15-16.

The Army deployment in Islamabad came as PTI supporters led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur were moving ahead to reach the D-Chowk in the national capital to hold the protest.

Gandapur, who was prevented from reaching Islamabad on Friday, did reach near the capital on Saturday, then left the caravan and reached the venue with a few vehicles.

Amid conflicting reports about Gundapur’s whereabouts, Muhammad Ali Saif, advisor to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information, told the Geo News, “From D-Chowk, he left for the KP House, where he had lunch and met some party leaders.

“Then Rangers personnel came and the CM House was circled and all communication with him was lost which has not been established as yet,” he said, adding, it is also not clear if he is still in the KP House or shifted to another place; if he has been formally arrested or just taken into custody.

However, there was no official confirmation of Gandapur’s arrest.

Khan, the 72-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician had refused to postpone the protest despite calls by the government.

In the run up to the rally and especially since Friday, the authorities have been taking strict measures to stop PTI supporters from entering Islamabad or making it to the D-Chowk.

All highways leading to the city remained blocked and pillion riding banned.

The authorities also imposed prohibitory orders, banning public gatherings, political assemblies, and demonstrations in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to outlaw any political assembly or protest. The Metro bus services linking the twin cities were also suspended.

Police and paramilitary Rangers were deployed everywhere to stop the protestors.

Meanwhile, the authorities on Saturday cut off Lahore from the rest of the country to stop PTI supporters from holding a rally at the historic Minar-e-Pakistan.

The provincial government called in the Pakistan Army to maintain the law and order situation in Punjab province too, especially in its capital Lahore. Hundreds of containers were placed in different parts of the city and also at all entry and exit points.

A curfew-like situation existed around Minar-e-Pakistan, which is also closed for general public for an indefinite period.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told a press conference in Lahore that he would not tolerate PTI’s “anti-Pakistan” protest. He said the PTI want to sabotage the SCO summit, which the government will not allow.

Imran Khan. File
| Photo Credit: AP

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan on Monday (September 16, 2024) ordered the immediate release of all the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) lawmakers arrested from the Parliament House following the party’s power show on September 8 in Islamabad.

“Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain heard the bail pleas and granted post-arrest bail to the PTI MNAs who were taken into custody by the Islamabad police with their cases registered at the Sangjani police station,” Geo News reported. “The bails were granted against surety bonds worth ₹30,000 each,” it said.

Pakistan at risk of parochialism, says former PM Imran Khan

During the hearing, prosecutor Raja Naveed told the court that Sunni Ittehad Council lawmaker Muhammad Ahmed Chattha is also named in the case. He requested the court against approving bails as the minimum sentence for provisions imposed in the case is three years, the channel said.

“Has anything been recovered from Sher Afzal Marwat, Ahmed Chattha and other MNAs [Member of the National Assembly]?” the judge questioned the prosecutor. He responded to the question in the negative.

Meanwhile, the court also approved the pre-arrest bail petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Ali Bukhari in the case pertaining to his violation of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) and assault on police personnel during the party’s rally.

Following the hearing, the court issued a notice and adjourned the hearing of the case till October 1.

The police arrested several leaders of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, including its chairman and around a dozen lawmakers, after the authorities accused his supporters of pelting stones at police personnel and violating the permission for the rally by over-stepping the allotted time limit by several hours.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat were also arrested from the Parliament House for allegedly violating the newly enacted public gathering law during the party’s power show. Mr. Marwat had resisted the arrest and asked the police to show an arrest warrant.

While Mr. Gohar was later released, Mr. Marwat was kept in custody for violating regulations devised under a new law — Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024, and also accused of clashing with police personnel on the rally day.

At least 10 PTI lawmakers, who were arrested from the premises of Parliament House, were brought to the lower house on September 12 after their production orders were issued by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

During the rally, the PTI supporters demanded the release of their leader and warned to get him out of jail through street protests.

The 71-year-old former-cricketer-turned-politician faces a slew of legal cases and has been in prison for more than a year after being sentenced in a graft case.

Imran Khan was arrested on August 5 last year after his conviction in the first Toshakhana corruption case filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Since then, he has been in jail in different cases.

Supporters of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), wave party flags during a rally in Islamabad, Pakistan September 8, 2024.
| Photo Credit: REUTERS

Top leaders of former jailed prime minister Imran Khan were arrested by Pakistani police on Monday (September 9, 2024) from outside Parliament House following a National Assembly session, according to media reports.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Sher Afzal Khan Marwat, and Advocate Shoaib Shaheen were arrested by Islamabad police, police spokesperson Jawad Taqi was quoted as saying by Dawn.

Also read: Pakistan at risk of parochialism, says former PM Imran Khan

Referring to Marwat’s arrest, who was reportedly the first to be taken into custody, the PTI said in a post on X that the “ PMLN government should be completely ashamed of this step against a sitting MNA.” “This must be considered a direct attack on democracy,” the post said.

The party accused the capital police of carrying out “illegal orders” and called on the inspector general (IG) of police, Islamabad to “stop this act”.

Marwat was arrested for violating regulations devised under a new law —Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024, sources told Geo News, adding that the PTI lawmaker was accused of clashing with police personnel a day earlier.

In another post on X, PTI condemned the “illegal” arrest of party chairman Barrister Gohar.

“This is a moment of shame for the entire parliament, as this must be considered a direct attack on the remaining democracy in Pakistan.

“Speaker NA should be ashamed for allowing such disrespect of parliament. Pakistan has descended further into the undeclared Martial Law,” the post said.

A statement on X from Marwat’s account said: “The state has once again proved how afraid it is of (Imran) Khan and his soldiers!” “Remember that the person they are dragging this badly is not a terrorist or murderer. His only sin is that he considers Imran Khan his mentor, raises his voice for the poor, raises his voice for Pakistan, talks about the supremacy of democracy, the freedom of Pakistanis, and the rule of law!” Omar Ayub Khan, the leader of the Opposition, condemned the arrests and alleged that Islamabad Police had formed teams to arrest him, PTI leader Zartaj Gul Wazir, and “other colleagues”.

“This fascist regime and its backers have gone completely mad,” Omar wrote in a post on X.

“Just found out that they have included my name along with Zartaj Gul sahiba and other colleagues in 2 additional FIRs. Islamabad Police teams have been made for our arrests.” He added that other PTI lawmakers were still inside Parliament House, unable to leave due to the presence of police.

“Our only crime is that we have dared to challenge the status quo and raised our voice for our beloved leader, PM Imran Khan sahib. We will continue doing so,” he added.

The 71-year-old former-cricketer-turned-politician faces a slew of legal cases and has been in prison for nearly a year after being sentenced in a graft case.

Khan was arrested on August 5 last year after his conviction in the first Toshakhana corruption case filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Since then, he has been in jail in different cases.

PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari strongly condemned the arrests, demanding leaders be released immediately.

“Over a year now and they are still using the same tactics that have failed again and again,” he said in a statement on X.

“These illegal arrests won’t change anything. Only increase the public’s anger and hate towards this puppet government and backers.”

Sources said that alongside Omar and Zartaj, more PTI leaders, including Hammad Azhar, Kanwal Shauzab, Naeem Haider Panjutha, Amir Mughal, and Khalid Khursheed, are also expected to be arrested.