Police arrested Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan , the sisters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan , during a protest at D Chowk in Islamabad on Friday. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ( PTI ) party, founded by Imran Khan, condemned the arrests, claiming they occurred while the sisters were exercising their right to peaceful protest.
PTI labelled the government as "fake" and accused it of employing fascist tactics to suppress dissent and maintain "illegitimate power." A post from PTI on social media stated, "Such is the state of affairs in Pakistan under a fascist regime where citizens have been completely stripped of their fundamental rights."
The arrests took place amidst heightened tensions as the Punjab government imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings in several cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Sargodha. Authorities deployed Rangers personnel to maintain order, coinciding with PTI's call for protests demanding the release of Imran Khan and judicial independence.
Earlier, Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari described PTI as a "terrorist entity" and warned against their planned rally, stating that no protests would be allowed in the capital. Her comments followed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s caution regarding the timing of the protests, which coincided with the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
As protests erupted at D Chowk, police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds and blocked access to the area, resulting in numerous arrests. The Islamabad Inspector General of Police confirmed that over 30 protesters had been detained, with strict measures in place to maintain law and order.
Despite government restrictions, Imran Khan’s sisters made their way to the protest but were swiftly taken into custody and moved to an undisclosed location. Reports indicate that the arrests have escalated tensions among PTI supporters, who continue to demand the release of their leader, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail.
Imran Khan had earlier called on his followers to assemble at D Chowk, urging them to demonstrate for their rights. As the situation unfolds, the political climate in Pakistan remains charged, with PTI vowing to continue its fight for freedom and justice.
PTI labelled the government as "fake" and accused it of employing fascist tactics to suppress dissent and maintain "illegitimate power." A post from PTI on social media stated, "Such is the state of affairs in Pakistan under a fascist regime where citizens have been completely stripped of their fundamental rights."
The arrests took place amidst heightened tensions as the Punjab government imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings in several cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Sargodha. Authorities deployed Rangers personnel to maintain order, coinciding with PTI's call for protests demanding the release of Imran Khan and judicial independence.
Earlier, Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari described PTI as a "terrorist entity" and warned against their planned rally, stating that no protests would be allowed in the capital. Her comments followed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s caution regarding the timing of the protests, which coincided with the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
As protests erupted at D Chowk, police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds and blocked access to the area, resulting in numerous arrests. The Islamabad Inspector General of Police confirmed that over 30 protesters had been detained, with strict measures in place to maintain law and order.
Despite government restrictions, Imran Khan’s sisters made their way to the protest but were swiftly taken into custody and moved to an undisclosed location. Reports indicate that the arrests have escalated tensions among PTI supporters, who continue to demand the release of their leader, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail.
Imran Khan had earlier called on his followers to assemble at D Chowk, urging them to demonstrate for their rights. As the situation unfolds, the political climate in Pakistan remains charged, with PTI vowing to continue its fight for freedom and justice.
