ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Monday claimed that five of its lawmakers had been detained in Islamabad as authorities stepped up action against the party ahead of its planned September 27 protest and march.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said Senator Saifullah Niazi and MNAs Sanaullah Khan Masti Khel, Dawar Khan Kundi, Mian Ghaus and Ahsan Jamal Khan had been taken into custody.
Party sources said some of the lawmakers were detained from Parliament Lodges, while Ahsan Jamal Khan was taken into custody outside the National Assembly building. The lawmakers were reportedly shifted to undisclosed locations. The claims could not immediately be independently confirmed by police.
The reported detentions came a day after Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan was detained in Lahore under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
A Lahore deputy commissioner’s order issued on September 20 directed that Aleema Khan and her driver, Muhammad Ameer, be detained for 30 days at Central Jail, Kot Lakhpat. The order cited concerns over public safety and maintenance of law and order and referred to reports about their alleged involvement in protests and roadblocks. Police confirmed that Aleema was shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail.
On Monday, PTI also claimed that Imran Khan’s sisters, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, had been taken into custody. Sheikh Waqas Akram alleged that the two women were taken to an undisclosed location.
The reported actions come ahead of PTI’s planned nationwide protest on September 27, including a march towards Islamabad. The party says the protest is aimed at demanding the release of its founder Imran Khan and seeking the supremacy of the Constitution.
Authorities have meanwhile intensified preparations in Islamabad and other areas. Dawn reported that Punjab Police had begun moving forces towards Attock and Rawalpindi, while containers and other security arrangements were being put in place at key entry points to the capital.
The government has said it will not allow the closure of roads or activities that disrupt public movement. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the government would prevent violent groups from reaching Islamabad, while other ministers cited security, law-and-order and economic concerns linked to the planned protests.
The Islamabad High Court has also issued orders concerning the September 27 protest. In a September 14 order, the court said no political party or its leadership had the lawful right to occupy public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or buildings in Islamabad in a way that obstructed access to educational institutions and medical facilities. It also directed provincial governments not to use government resources or machinery to facilitate the march.
Separately, preventive action against PTI workers has continued in Punjab. Dawn reported that 47 PTI workers and office-bearers had been sent to Sahiwal Central Prison following arrests and detention orders issued under the MPO.
PTI has condemned the arrests and detentions, describing them as political victimisation and alleging that the measures are aimed at preventing its September 27 mobilisation. The government maintains that its actions are intended to protect public order and ensure that citizens’ movement and routine activities are not disrupted.
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