SAHIWAL / SARGODHA: In a fresh round of arrests of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and office-bearers ahead of its September 27 protest call, around 34 have been reported in Sahiwal district in the last 36 hours. Of these, 16 workers were arrested from Chichawatni tehsil and 24 were arrested from Sahiwal tehsil, while six persons were later released by the police after taking affidavits and assurances that they would not participate in any rally or procession, Dawn learnt from reliable sources.

Meanwhile, PTI has claimed that police have launched a crackdown against its local leaders through Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) authorities.

In one such instance, sources claimed that Fesco Sardarpur Noon SDO Muhammad Atif lodged a complaint to the police that one Naeem Haider was found stealing electricity in Dhal village. He alleged that he was stealing electricity at his public secretariat and seals of the meter were found to be broken. On the complaint, the Bhera police registered a case against Naeem Haider Panjotha.

A spokesperson for Naeem Haider alleged that the case was lodged because the secretariat was being used to prepare for the upcoming protest.

In another case, Fesco Sial Mor Sub-Division Lineman Sikandar Hayat claimed that he was on duty in Doda village when some influential people tortured him. On the complaint of Sial Mor SDO, the Laksian police have registered a case against Muhammad Khan, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Nawaz. All the accused in the case were said to be associated with the PTI.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2026