Authorities are enforcing Section 144 across the district, banning public gatherings for 15 days
RAWALPINDI:
A planned PTI protest outside the Adiala jail on Tuesday was disrupted as law enforcement agencies detained several party leaders and workers, including the sisters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, amid sweeping restrictions imposed across Rawalpindi.
The party had called for a “peaceful protest” against limits on meetings of its founder, but authorities enforced Section 144 across the district and banned public gatherings for 15 days.
Despite restrictions and persistent rain in the twin cities, a significant number of PTI leaders and supporters tried to reach the jail premises, only to be intercepted at several places by law enforcement personnel.
PTI Core Committee member Seemabia Tahir said the group, including Imran Khan’s sisters, was stopped near DHA Chowk. “Law enforcement authorities had already left a nearby hotel; they arrested Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan along with several workers and closed the shutters of the hotel after detaining them,” she said.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned the operation and said leaders and workers were detained and subjected to force. He said protesters faced heavy shelling and baton charges while routes leading to Adiala prison were sealed.
According to him, several party members traveling from different areas were stopped at highway rest stops including Kallar Kahar and Chakri where arrests were also made.
He said at least five members of the Punjab Assembly, including Leader of the Opposition Moeen Qureshi, were taken into custody.
