Authorities enforce Section 144 across the district, banning public gatherings for 15 days
RAWALPINDI:
A planned PTI protest outside Adiala jail on Tuesday was cut short as law enforcement agencies detained several party leaders and workers, including the sisters of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, amid sweeping restrictions imposed across Rawalpindi.
The party had called for a “peaceful protest” against curbs on meetings with its founder, but authorities enforced Section 144 across the district, banning public gatherings for 15 days.
Despite the restrictions and persistent rain in the twin cities, a sizeable number of PTI leaders and supporters attempted to reach the jail premises, only to be intercepted at multiple points 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 agencies had already vacated a hotel in the vicinity; they arrested Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, along with several workers, and shut down the shutters of the hotel after detaining them,” she said.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned the operation, saying leaders and workers were detained and subjected to force. He said protesters faced heavy shelling and baton charges, while routes leading to Adiala jail were sealed.
According to him, several party members travelling from different areas were stopped at motorway rest points, including Kallar Kahar and Chakri, where arrests were also made.
He said at least five members of the Punjab Assembly, including Opposition Leader Moeen Qureshi, were taken into custody.
