Malik Waqar
Several people, including Meher Bano, the daughter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi, were arrested during a protest in Multan, as police crackdown on the demonstration.
According to Express News, the arrests were made after protests took place despite Section 144 being enforced in Punjab, which prohibits gatherings, rallies, and processions.
Police were deployed in key areas of Multan, including Ghunghat Chowk, Chungi No. 9, Nawan Shahr Chowk, and Chok Kacheri, where PTI activists were protesting.
Meher Bano and Zahid Bahar Hashmi, along with several party workers, led the protest before being detained by the police. The protest was quickly dispersed as the arrests took place, and the detained individuals were taken to police stations in prisoner vans.
The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in response to the PTI’s call for protests across the province. The government’s move to control the rally is part of ongoing measures to prevent further disturbances amidst the growing political tensions.
Yesterday, PTI announced it will refrain from any confrontation or unrest on February 8, the first anniversary of last year’s general elections, and instead has unveiled plans for a large rally in Swabi.
PTI had previously sought permission to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, but the deputy commissioner rejected the request, citing concerns over maintaining law and order.
Lahore DC Syed Musa Raza explained that the decision was made to avoid disruptions, as significant events were scheduled in Lahore, including a cricket match, an international speaker conference, and a horse and cattle show, all requiring extensive security personnel.
Instead, PTI announced plans for a large rally in Swabi, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, urging supporters nationwide to attend.
PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja stated in Islamabad that the party would only hold a rally in Swabi, while protests would take place at the tehsil and union council levels, clarifying there were no plans for chaos.
