TOBA TEK SINGH: As tensions escalate in Punjab ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI’s) planned protest at D Chowk in Islamabad on Oct 15, law enforcement agencies have intensified raids on party activists across multiple cities. This crackdown comes amid a backdrop of arrests and unrest, raising concerns about political freedoms.

In Toba Tek Singh, Gojra, Kamalia and Pirmahal, police launched raids over the weekend targeting PTI activists to thwart their participation in the protest. Many activists had already gone into hiding, but reports confirmed the arrest of over a dozen individuals, including Imran Jat from Toba Tek Singh, Iftikhar Ahmed from Pirmahal and Sardar Saeed Gujjar from Kamalia.

Faisalabad saw similar police activity, with authorities raiding the home of PTI MPA Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan in People’s Colony. However, he was not found at the residence. In a related action, Ayub Khan, the general secretary of the PTI youth wing in Faisalabad, was taken into custody, further underscoring the police’s determination to disrupt PTI’s organizational efforts.

OKARA: The Shergarh police arrested six PTI workers for allegedly violating Section 144 and blocking the road. The FIR said that 15 to 16 people carrying PTI flags blocked the Shergarh bypass road, causing significant traffic congestion.

Despite police orders to disperse, the activists remained, resulting in clashes that saw damage to a police van. The police arrested Bilal Omer Bodla, Arslan Jamshaid, Amjad Ali, Muhammad Javid Iqbal, Abdul Rehman and Saim Rashid. On the complaint of the station house officer, the Shergarh police registered a case under sections 341, 186, 188, 353, 109, 427, 148 and 149 of Pakistan Penal Code along with Section 16 of The Maintenance of Public Order. The party flags, wooden rods a jeep (AJP/ 999) were confiscated.

SARGODHA: Sargodha reported over 52 arrests of PTI activists amid the ongoing crackdown. Raids are being conducted to apprehend more officials and workers, with the PTI leadership postponing protests in Sargodha and Gujranwala while maintaining their call for participation in the Islamabad protest.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

More than words
Updated 04 Apr, 2025

More than words

Holistic development can only work when there is organic and credible political activity in the province.
Poor publicity
04 Apr, 2025

Poor publicity

FORTUNE does not seem to be favouring the PTI — at least not yet. With the party’s founder confined from public...
Party pooper
04 Apr, 2025

Party pooper

INDIA’s role of a spoilsport is tiresome. From pulling books from shelves, such as Wendy Doniger’s The Hindus: ...
Canal unrest
Updated 03 Apr, 2025

Canal unrest

With rising water scarcity in Indus system, it is crucial to move towards a consensus-driven policymaking process.
Iran-US tension
03 Apr, 2025

Iran-US tension

THE Trump administration’s threats aimed at Iran do not bode well for global peace, and unless Washington changes...
Flights to history
03 Apr, 2025

Flights to history

MOHENJODARO could have been the forgotten gold we desperately need. Instead, this 5,000-year-old well of antiquity ...