LAHORE , May 9, 2023: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers across the country have taken to the streets to protest against the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. This comes after Imran Khan was arrested following his appearance in court for bail.
The protests have been held in major cities such as Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Quetta, with thousands of PTI workers taking part.
Demonstrators have been demanding the release of Imran Khan, and many have been carrying banners and placards denouncing the arrest.
However, the protests have led to the imposition of Section 144 in many cities, which prohibits gatherings and political activities. This measure has been put in place to maintain law and order, according to the ministry of interior.
Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against those who violate Section 144. This includes the use of force if necessary, to disperse protesters who refuse to comply.
The situation remains tense in many parts of the country, with PTI workers vowing to continue their protests until Imran Khan is released. The arrest of the popular political leader has sparked outrage amongst his supporters, who believe that he has been unfairly targeted.
PTI workers on Tuesday started countrywide protests against the arrest of party chief Imran Khan on the premises of the Islamabad High Court.
PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry urged workers in a tweet to “come out of home” against the arrest of Imran Khan. He likened the arrest of Imran Khan to “arresting the judiciary” and wrote that the Islamabad High Court had been attacked.
In another tweet, he said Rangers had captured the Islamabad High Court. The personnel of paramilitary force tortured many lawyers, also
He re-tweeted a post that showed a lawyer receiving first aid.
Meanwhile, former minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, in her message, asked the party workers to reach Liberty Market in Lahore.
Police closed The Mall and Canal Road to traffic leading to Zaman Park where PTI workers have set tyres and other material on fire.
Our Correspondent in Islamabad reported that PTI workers gathered at Srinagar Highway and blocked the road. They raised slogans against the government and in favour of Imran Khan.
It is reported that police arrested around 20 PTI workers for protesting on Srinagar Highway in violation of Section 144. The Kashmir Highway has also been blocked by the PTI workers. They also reportedly pelted police with stones.
PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi shared a video message on Twitter calling public to come out against Imran Khan’s arrest.
PTI leader Zartag Gul Wazir blocked a road in protest against the arrest of Imran Khan
Ms Wazir in a tweet shared the pictures of the protest and said that the protest is just starting. The nation stands with their leader Imran Khan, said Ms Wazir.
Police have been put on high alert in Peshawar where an emergency meeting was held with SSP Operations in the chair. PTI workers reached Hashtnagri Chowk in Peshawar and blocked the road. The workers also blocked the GT Road.
PTI Secretary General Asad Umar tweeted that a six-member committee, headed by PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, would determine the next course of action.
“Pakistan’s biggest political leader has been arrested,” Umar said. “The whole world is being shown that there is no law in the country.”
Meanwhile, Hammad Azhar called the workers out in his tweet as “the life of Imran Khan is in danger.”
Shafqat Mahmood strongly condemned Imran’s arrest in his tweet, alleging that the PTI chief was also “manhandled and mistreated”.
“This is height of fascism and totally unacceptable. Rule of law in the country is over,” he said.
Azhar Mashwani alleged that Imran had been “abducted” from inside the court by Rangers. He said that the party had given an immediate call for staging protests in the country.
Protests erupted in Karachi as well soon after the arrest of Imran Khan. Activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) blocked both lanes of Shahrah-e-Faisal, a critical thoroughfare that connects downtown Karachi with the airport and the eastern part of Karachi, resulting significant traffic jam in the city.