Pakistan police arresting PTI workers in Lahore.
Lahore: The Shehbaz Sharif government is facing difficulties due to protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Imran’s party is holding this demonstration at a time when the SCO conference is going to be held in Islamabad from October 15. Therefore, during the protest in Lahore today, Pakistan Police arrested more than 30 supporters of PTI, including lawyers. They had entered the historic Minar-e-Pakistan complex late Saturday night demanding the release of their leader.
Lahore Police said it has registered a case against more than 200 PTI leaders and workers, including Khan, under terrorism charges. Hundreds of containers were placed in different parts of Lahore on Saturday, including all entry and exit points, to thwart the PTI protest. Police had also closed all roads leading to ruling Shehbaz Sharif’s Lahore residence. The government has also deployed Rangers in Lahore. Curfew-like situation was observed around the venue ‘Minar-e-Pakistan’, where entry of the general public has been closed indefinitely.
Demonstration is taking place for the release of Imran Khan
However, several PTI workers and lawyers managed to reach the protest site late Saturday night and raised slogans in favor of their jailed leader. The police arrested the protesters. Punjab Police spokesperson said, “Police have arrested more than 30 PTI workers and registered cases against more than 200 PTI workers and leaders, including Imran Khan, under terrorism and other charges.” Former Punjab minister Musarat Cheema and leader of opposition in the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Bachhar also reached Minar-e-Pakistan. The two detained leaders said PTI workers had gathered to celebrate Khan’s birthday and pass the “Haqeeqi Azadi” (real independence) resolution at the historic site where the Pakistan Resolution was adopted in 1940. (Language)
