KARACHI: PTI’s central leader Imran Ismail was arrested by Sindh police on Friday on the charges of riots during protests on Sharea Faisal after the arrest of party’s head Imran Khan on May 9.

Mr Ismail, who also served as the Sindh governor, was apprehended from his residence in the Defence Housing Authority, Phase-VIII.

A senior police officer, on condition of anonymity, said Mr Ismail was wanted by Tipu Sultan police in the East district over charges of riots, arson and terrorism.

A tweet posted on PTI’s official account on Friday confirmed the arrest, calling it “fascism” which was “unprecedented and shameful”.

“Former Governor Sindh @ImranIsmailPTI has been arrested. The fascism of this regime is completely unprecedented and shameful!” said the tweet.

“PTI leadership and thousands of peaceful Pakistanis must be released immediately.”

Earlier in a tweet on May 17, Mr Ismail expressed grief over the May 9 attacks and said PTI never took part in terrorism or hooliganism in the 27 years of its history.

“[We] are ready for a transparent investigation rather we are filing a petition ourselves to form a commission,” he said in a tweet on his official account.

“This is a conspiracy by the illegal and illegitimate government to pit us [PTI] against the armed forces. This is our army and we respect the sacrifices of our martyrs.”

Meanwhile, PTI’s senior leader Ali Zaidi and MPA in Sindh Assembly Firdous Shamim Naqvi are also under custody.

Violence in Karachi

On May 9, PTI supporters staged demonstrations near Hassan Square, Sohrab Goth and Defence Mor areas to protest against Mr Khan’s arrest. However, the party’s leadership asked the workers to reach Insaf House, its headquarters on Sharea Faisal, which later became a battlefield.

The protesters faced off with heavy contingents of police and Rangers and several were taken into custody, including senior PTI leaders.

Arson attacks and stone pelting left a dozen vehicles damaged while two checkpoints of Karachi police and Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) were torched. Several public and private properties were also vandalised.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2023