PTI Leaders Arrested Amidst Crackdown in Islamabad

Police in Islamabad have arrested several key leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, including Chairman Barrister Gohar and Sher Afzal Marwat, from outside the Parliament House. Shoaib Shaheen was also taken into custody from his residence.

According to police officials, Umar Ayub and Zartaj Gul are also expected to be arrested, while Ali Muhammad Khan managed to leave the Parliament House and evade arrest.

A significant police presence has been deployed outside the Parliament House, with all entrances and exits to the red zone sealed off. The area is completely blocked from D Chowk, Nadra Chowk, Serena, and Marriott, with only Margla road remaining open for entry and exit.

Sher Afzal Marwat was arrested for allegedly violating rules and regulations under the new law, following a clash with police.

Police sources indicate that the new law may lead to a crackdown on the Punjab leadership present in the assembly, and the Islamabad police have formally informed the Punjab Police.

Cases have been registered against PTI leaders in three police stations, including Noon and Sangjani, under the Assembly and Public Order 2024. The charges include interference in government affairs, vandalism, and violation of Section 144.

Barrister Gohar, Umar Ayub, Zartaj Gul, Amir Mughal, Shoaib Shaheen, and Sher Afzal Marwat have been named in the cases, along with 28 local leaders, including Seembia Tahir and Raja Basharat.

According to the case filed against the PTI leaders, police attempted to stop PTI workers from breaking through a path, but the workers responded by attacking the police with stones and sticks.