BAHWALNAGAR: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) protests calling for Imran Khan’s release have sparked a nationwide crackdown.

Across various districts, law enforcement agencies have arrested and booked numerous party leaders, workers and supporters under various charges.

In Bahawalnagar’s Donga Bonga area, 95 PTI workers, including Central Deputy Information Secretary Shaukat Basra, were booked by district police on Tuesday for various charges, including vandalism, incitement against the government, attacking police vehicles, and violating Section 144 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

The crackdown followed protests organised by PTI workers demanding the release of Imran Khan.

The first information report (FIR) lodged by Sub-Inspector Matloob Ahmad stated that Basra, along with 24 nominated party workers and 70 unidentified people, armed with sticks, slingshots and weapons, blocked major roads on Nov 24. Protesters raised anti-state slogans, calling on citizens to leave their homes and converge at Islamabad’s D-Chowk to “jam the system” until Imran was released. The FIR also mentioned that the protesters declared their resolve to fight until their demands were met.

The situation escalated when police, using loudspeaker, ordered the protesters to disperse. Instead of complying, the demonstrators reportedly threatened law enforcement officials with dire consequences. Some protesters attacked police vehicles, causing significant damage.

The charges filed against the protesters include sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (7-ATA) and various other sections of the PPC, such as 148 (rioting, armed with a deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot), 427 (mischief causing damage), and 506-B (criminal intimidation).

According to police sources, despite heightened security measures, including the closure of district entry and exit points for two days, hundreds of PTI workers managed to bypass security and travel to Rawalpindi via the Bahawalpur-Khanewal route. This route continues to be used by protesters heading toward the federal capital.

Meanwhile, the police in Bahawalnagar face operational challenges due to severe personnel shortages. Approximately 400 police officials, including 12 station house officers (SHOs) from various districts, have been deployed to Islamabad indefinitely to handle PTI’s anticipated sit-in at D-Chowk. The absence of these personnel has compounded the challenges for the already understaffed Bahawalnagar police.

Local sources claim that many PTI workers in Bahawalnagar remain determined to join the protest in Islamabad, despite the crackdown.

Law enforcement officials are reportedly preparing for further operations to prevent the mobilisation of additional protesters.

OKARA: Law enforcement agencies intensified their crackdown on PTI workers en route to Islamabad for the party’s sit-in.

Among those arrested were district PTI general secretary Chaudhry Muhammad Saleem Sadiq, along with party activists Azam Khan, Syed Haider Ali Kirmani and Rana Salman. They were intercepted by Gujrat police and later handed over to Okara authorities.

Another arrest occurred when retired Maj Ghulam Sarwar, a PTI leader from Chichawatni, was detained by Okara Saddar police.

Sarwar was reportedly heading to Islamabad when police intercepted him. He was named in an FIR that also listed Mahr Abdul Sattar, PTI’s provincial joint secretary, and a ticket holder for the provincial assembly.

The FIR, registered under sections 148, 149, 186, and other provisions of the PPC, accused them of attempting to block GT Road.

Despite the crackdown, legal relief was granted to many of those arrested. Judicial magistrates with Section 30 powers in four Okara police jurisdictions — Okara Saddar, City Renala, Basirpur, and City Dipalpur — granted bail to 64 PTI workers, including Mahr Arshad Ali and Mahr Javid Iqbal.

The workers had been charged with obstructing public servants, rioting, and unlawful assembly under sections 188, 341, 353, 148, and 149 of PPC. In some cases, charges under Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) were also added.

Despite securing bail, many PTI workers remain resolute in their mission to reach Islamabad. Party members claim that the arrests and legal cases are part of a broader strategy to suppress political dissent.

The Okara police have faced criticism for their handling of the situation, with reports of heavy-handed tactics and delays in processing detainees’ cases. However, police officials argue that their actions are necessary to maintain law and order in the face of growing unrest.

TOBA TEK SINGH: The Gojra City police have booked over 20 PTI activists, including MPA Ahsan Ihsan Gujjar and others, under Section 7-ATA and additional charges.

The activists had gathered on Monday on Jhang Road to travel to Islamabad for PTI’s sit-in and blocked traffic on various city roads.

In Faisalabad, police arrested Insaf Youth Wing General Secretary Dr Hamid Zia for alleged involvement in riots on Sargodha Road. The riots occurred when police blocked PTI activists from travelling to Islamabad via the sealed M-4 Motorway.

SAHIWAL: The police claimed no political workers are currently in their custody, as all detained PTI workers, office-bearers, and activists were released by civil judges in Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Chichawatni, and Arifwala.

According to sources, civil judges Umer Hasan, Shahid Nadeem, Adnan Anjum, and Farzana Waseem discharged cases during the first hearing for over 300 PTI workers detained under Section 16 MPO and various PPC provisions.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the released activists plan to travel to Islamabad to participate in the second round of protests demanding Imran Khan’s release.

Speaking from an undisclosed location, PTI leaders Rai Hasan Nawaz, Rana Amir Shahzad, and retired Maj Ghulam Sarwar confirmed their intent to join the demonstrations.

BAHAWALPUR: Law enforcement agencies intensified crackdown on PTI activists across Bahawalpur and adjoining areas.

Former federal parliamentary secretary and PTI Women’s Chief for Punjab Shozeb Kanwal claimed in a WhatsApp post that her coordinator, Asim, and others were arrested in Ahmedpur East.

She alleged a “reign of terror” had been unleashed in her constituency, with hundreds of activists detained and confined in local police stations.

Many activists who avoided joining the protests have reportedly gone into hiding to evade arrest.

In Vehari, Multan, and Lodhran, numerous PTI supporters were detained.

However, police and district administration in Multan appear to be at odds, with neither taking responsibility for registering cases or issuing detention orders against three arrested PTI leaders, including MNAs Malik Aamir Dogar and Zain Qureshi.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2024