MANSEHRA: The police have arrested a local leader of Jamaat-i-Islami after a video, in which he allegedly instigated protesters against state institutions during a Kashmir Day rally, went viral on social media.

Shabbir Khan Swati was arrested under sections 506, 505 and 153-A of Pakistan Penal Code, Section 7(a) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.

According to the FIR lodged by the city police, the video showed the suspect addressing a rally held to mark Kashmir Day on February 5, in which he allegedly used derogatory language against state institutions.

“The accused also instigated rally participants against national institutions, disrespected the Constitution, and threatened the country’s existence. The entire incident was broadcast on social media,” the FIR further stated.

Meanwhile, the regional Anti-Terrorism Court in Hazara granted the police a three-day remand of the accused for further investigation.

The Jamaat workers took to the streets against the arrest of Shabbir Swati and demanded his release without further delay.

“Our party’s history is evident to our claim that none other than our party is patriotic in the country and we don’t need to get the certificate from the government,” Abdul Razzaq Abbasi, the divisional president of JI, told the rally.

The participants of the rally marched on the Abbottabad Road. JI district chief Jamil Ahmad Jehangiri and other leaders, including Prof Bahadar Shah, also addressed the rally.

“This rally was staged to express solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers, who have been facing atrocities at the hands of Indian armed forces. The arrest of our local leader is unacceptable at any cost,” Mr Jehangiri said.

He said that rallies seeking the release of the arrested leader would be staged across Hazara division.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2025