Police Detain Key PTI Leaders in Islamabad Following Political Rally
Several PTI figures, including Barrister Gohar, Sher Afzal Marwat, and Zubair Khan, detained after rally; Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s whereabouts remain unclear
In the wake of a major political rally on the outskirts of Islamabad, law enforcement agencies have detained several prominent leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Authorities arrested Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Sher Afzal Marwat, Zubair Khan, and lawyer Shoaib Shaheen from different parts of the city on Monday evening.
The arrests followed a gathering organized by the PTI, after which several leaders were detained outside Parliament. Gohar Ali Khan and Sher Afzal Marwat were taken into custody as they left the assembly building, while Shoaib Shaheen was arrested in a separate raid on his office in Islamabad. His staff reportedly tried to intervene but were also detained.
Officials confirmed that the arrests were linked to cases filed after Sunday’s rally, which allegedly violated conditions of the NOC (No Objection Certificate) issued for the event. Additional charges included confrontation with law enforcement on the way to the rally. Sources indicated that the details of these cases were initially withheld to prevent the leaders from seeking bail in advance.
PTI Leaders Seek Shelter in Parliament
Several other PTI members, including Zain Qureshi, Zartaj Gul, Omer Ayub, and Sheikh Waqas Akram, sought refuge inside the Parliament building, fearing arrest. Authorities have deployed teams to monitor exit points in the capital to track and detain these leaders as part of the ongoing operation.
Uncertainty Around Chief Minister Gandapur
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who delivered a strong speech at the rally, has reportedly gone missing. While police suggested plans to place him under house arrest, his whereabouts remain unknown. A large police presence was seen outside KP House in Islamabad, where Gandapur was last thought to be. Provincial officials have expressed concern over his possible detention.
PTI Condemns Crackdown
In response to the arrests, PTI criticized the government’s actions, calling them an assault on democracy. The party claimed that the detentions were politically motivated and targeted elected representatives. PTI stated that the government was unlawfully arresting and detaining its members, calling for an end to what it described as illegal actions against its leadership.
