MUZAFFARGARH: Police launched a crackdown across Punjab and arrested Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers for violating Section 144 during protests called by the party on Feb 8.

The Layyah police arrested MPA Shoaib Amir Awan at his residence, while another MPA was detained in Layyah’s Chobara area. The arrests were recorded in a viral video on social media.

Cases were registered against Awan in Chowk Azam and Chobara police stations, and he was shifted to an undisclosed location.

The crackdown followed the imposition of Section 144, as PTI supporters attempted to hold protests.

In Muzaffargarh, demonstrations led by MNA Jamshed Dasti and Shafiq Malana were recorded, with reports of scuffles with the police.

SAHIWAL: In Sahiwal and Pakpattan, around 70 PTI workers and leaders, including MPA retired Maj Ghulam Sarwar, were arrested.

Raids were conducted at multiple locations, and PTI leaders claimed that many of their workers were picked up from their homes.

Police confirmed the arrest of 15 PTI activists in Sahiwal, but PTI leaders contested the number, claiming at least 40 were detained.

In Pakpattan, 43 party workers were arrested, and police set up 15 checkpoints with 250 officers to prevent further protests.

GUJRAT: At least eight PTI workers were arrested near Kunjah, Gujrat, as they attempted to stage a protest led by Sumaira Elahi.

Police dispersed the remaining workers and lodged formal cases against the detainees.

In Alipur Chattha, a small rally was led by PTI Central Punjab President MNA Muhammad Ahmed Chattha, where participants carried party flags and demanded the release of Imran Khan. However, major roads in Gujrat remained calm as police maintained a heavy presence at key intersections and bridges.

LAHORE: In Multan, PTI leaders Meher Bano Qureshi, Zahid Bahar Hashmi, and Diler Mahar were arrested while leading a protest.

The arrests took place at PTI’s divisional headquarters, with police detaining several workers as well. In a video statement from police custody, Meher Bano Qureshi stated that they were being moved to an undisclosed location.

OKARA: Police booked 68 PTI workers, including 51 nominated individuals, and arrested six activists in two separate protest rallies.

Mehr Abdul Sattar, a PTI provincial assembly ticket holder, led a rally from village 11/4L, chanting slogans against the government.

Police intercepted them near Tabrook-Shahbore road, warning them against violating Section 144.

The protestors allegedly clashed with police, resulting in injuries to two constables.

Cases were registered under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Punjab Sound Systems Regulation Act.

A second rally, led by PTI National Assembly ticket holder from NA-138, was intercepted in Basirpur. Four activists were arrested, while several others were booked under Section 188 PPC.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2025