KARACHI: Demanding complete justice, leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday presented journalists with what they described as ‘evidence’ of torture allegedly inflicted on the party leaders and workers during their recent detention under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.

They demanded registration of FIRs against police officers involved in torture and called for an independent and transparent inquiry into the alleged custodial abuse.

The party’s Sindh president, Haleem Adil Sheikh, along with Karachi chapter president Raja Azhar, senior vice president Faheem Khan and others during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club condemned the “illegal arrest and torture” of PTI leaders.

Speaking to journalists, Raja Azhar showed photographs of torture marks and also rolled up his shirt and showed bruises on his back and belly to members of the media. He also presented the photographs, showing visible injuries sustained by Faheem Khan during the detention.

Present photographs of alleged bruises to journalists; urge authorities to order impartial inquiry against policemen involved

The PTI leaders shared the ordeal of what they claimed was physical abuse while they were in police custody.

Raja Azhar alleged that he and Faheem Khan were blindfolded, beaten and humiliated at the Awami police station after being detained.

He claimed that 30 to 40 individuals entered the premises and assaulted them for nearly half an hour in the presence of senior officers.

The PTI leaders said they were subjected to physical violence, threats and verbal abuse, and later they were taken in a police van after their photographs were taken.

The PTI leaders said they were going for medico-legal examinations which would be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

They reiterated their demand for registration of FIRs against the officers allegedly involved in torture and called for an independent and transparent inquiry into the alleged custodial abuse.

Mr Sheikh during the press conference accused the Pakistan People’s Party-led Sindh government of setting a “new example of state oppression” by detaining PTI leaders and workers under the MPO.

The PTI Sindh president alleged that SSP Korangi Fida Janwari, DSP Khushnood, SHO Aamir, SHO Nasir and other officials were involved in torture, calling for a transparent investigation and registration of FIRs against them.

“We are not seeking mere suspension of the officers but complete justice.”

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2026