Iran Press/ Asia: Following a parliamentary session late last night, Barrister Gauhar, the current PTI chairman, was detained by police as he exited the Parliament building. The crackdown extended to other key PTI figures, who were also apprehended and taken to undisclosed locations.
Some party members, including Zain Qureshi (son of former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmud Qureshi), Sheikh Waqas Akram, and Sahibzada Hamid Reza, attempted to avoid arrest by remaining inside the Parliament. However, around midnight, electricity was cut off in the building, leading to the arrest of those still inside.
Among those detained were PTI Chairman Barrister Gauhar, National Assembly member Shair Afzal Marwat, and PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen. The Islamabad police have charged them with violations related to a PTI rally held the previous day in Sangjani near Islamabad. Allegations include disturbances and breaches of public order.
The arrests were carried out under heavy police presence at the Parliament premises. As Barrister Gauhar arrived at the Parliament gate, he was immediately taken into custody. Shair Afzal Marwat was similarly detained upon arrival at the gate following the National Assembly session. Shoaib Shaheen was apprehended at his office later that night.
Sources indicate that cases against the detained PTI leaders have been filed at two police stations under the Assembly and Public Order 2024 laws. Charges include interference with government operations, vandalism, and violations of Section 144, which prohibits gatherings.
In response, the local lawyers' union has announced a protest against the arrests, emphasizing that two of the detained leaders are practicing lawyers. The union has threatened a nationwide protest if bail requests for the detained leaders are not processed promptly.
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