KOHAT: Police arrested four workers of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf here on Wednesday as crackdown on the party continued after May 9 violent protests.

They were arrested when they were returning from a graveyard after attending the funeral of the brother of former minister for state Sheharyar Afridi.

Three of them were booked under Maintenance of Public Order while one identified as Qasim Zubair was arrested for inciting mob against the state organ during protests held against the arrest of PTI chairman Imran Khan on May 9.

Police rounded them up near Naway Kallay graveyard after getting a tip that they had gathered at the funeral and were going to get released another PTI member Aman Khan, who had been held at Hangu railway crossing under 3 MPO.

Later, Qasim Zubair was released on bail by the court as he was not wanted under 3 MPO but had other cases against him. Others were identified as Shafi Jan, Khurram Zeeshan and Aman Khan.

TRADERS: Traders have set a one-week deadline for acceptance of their demands including end to electricity and gas laodshedding.

They threatened to besiege the offices of Pesco, SNGPL and water supply and sanitation company after expiry of the deadline.

The decision was made in a meeting of traders chaired by chairman of Grand Businessmen Alliance Haji Abid and president of Tajir Qaumi Tehreek Ameer Afridi.

They said that they would soon hold a massive protest at Khatamul Nabaeen Gate that would be attended by civil society, traders and members of social and welfare organisations.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2023