MUZAFFARGARH, July 18(ABC): PTI leader Shahbaz Gill was released Monday morning after being arrested by police a day prior for violating Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) code of conduct during the by-polls in Punjab, Geo News reported.
A day earlier, the Punjab police had arrested PTI leader Shahbaz Gill in Muzaffargarh for allegedly visiting different polling stations during the by-elections in the city with his security guards who were dressed as FC personnel.
However, Gill denied allegations of keeping any security guards dressed in FC officials’ uniforms. He claimed that he had been engaged for three hours and was suddenly arrested without a warrant.
In the wee hours of Monday, police presented Gill before the district magistrate court of the Tehseel Jataoi area where the court issued orders to release him.
Imran Khan condemns Gill’s arrest
Strongly condemn illegal arrest of Shahbaz Gill simply to try [and] rig elections [and] spread fear in [people], PTI Chairman Imran Khan had written on Twitter, taking notice of the incident.
“These fascist tactics will not work [and] our [people] will not be deterred from exercising their right to vote. Handlers of imported govt should realise the damage they are doing to our nation,” he added.
High-level inquiry ordered
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had said that private security companies recruit retired personnel, adding that directions have been issued to authorities concerned that all such private companies should be banned.
“I have ordered a high-level inquiry in this regard,” he had said, addressing a press conference earlier.