Khan’s PTI accuses government of ‘panic’ over protests

By Staff Reporter

LAHORE: Police detained more than 500 supporters and lawmakers of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Wednesday as protests swept across several cities in Punjab and the country for judicial independence and Khan’s release, defying a ban on public gatherings imposed by the provincial government.

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in multiple districts, citing security risks. The current law and order situation poses a “soft target” for miscreants, creating a serious security risk, according to the provincial government’s order.

The imposition of Section 144 is intended to prevent public unrest and ensure the safety of lives and property in the districts. The directives prohibit all public gatherings, including political assemblies, sit-ins, protests, and rallies.

“The PTI didn’t maintain a posture as a political party, neither in government nor in opposition,” Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah said, criticizing PTI’s actions as “not political.” “PTI will not adopt a democratic behaviour under any circumstance, which is unacceptable.”

PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the government “had panicked” and sealed cities to prevent protests. He added that the government had created a “curfew-like situation” in Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, and Mianwali.

In Faisalabad, police used tear gas to disperse PTI supporters, arresting 500 people, including nine lawmakers. “The Red Zone in Islamabad has been sealed since Tuesday to prevent our protest,” Akram said.

PTI leaders claimed that despite the restriction, party workers, including women, took to the streets, managed to cross hurdles, and survived tear-gas shelling to stage rallies in different cities.

The party has struggled to hold rallies since Khan’s arrest last year on multiple charges, including graft. Khan remains in prison despite four convictions being quashed by higher courts, with new cases filed against him.

Last month, authorities forcibly dispersed thousands of PTI supporters in the eastern city of Lahore, cutting off electricity to the rally and taking control of the stage after the event ran past its permitted deadline. Later that month, Khan’s Pakistan party called off a protest in Rawalpindi after violent clashes with police left several injured. Authorities sealed off entry points to the garrison city and used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse supporters.

The PTI has faced a crackdown since its supporters allegedly attacked government and military installations on May 9, 2023, after Khan’s brief arrest in a land graft case. Hundreds of PTI followers and leaders were arrested, and many remain behind bars awaiting trial. The military has initiated army court trials of at least 103 people accused of involvement in the violence.