Hundreds of politicians and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf have been detained in recent days. The crackdown has been reported by Dawn, Al Jazeera and other outlets. Amnesty International has also raised concerns about the detentions.
The arrests are linked to the PTI’s long march and protests demanding the release of Imran Khan. According to reports, Khan’s sisters were also arrested ahead of the march on Islamabad. The party says the detentions are aimed at stopping its protest. It has called the crackdown an attack on democratic rights.
Senior leaders in custody
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was taken into custody on October 11. Reports say he was picked up from the Chief Minister’s House. Other leaders, including Babar Swati and Junaid Akbar, were also detained.
The detained leaders are reportedly being held at an undisclosed location. Party officials said they have no clear information about the charges. The government has not shared full details of the cases.
Rights groups react
Amnesty International is among the groups watching the situation closely. Rights advocates say peaceful protest is a basic right. They have called for due process for all detained persons.
Government officials said the actions follow the law. They said security measures are needed to maintain order in the capital. Officials added that anyone involved in unlawful activity would face legal action. They said the courts were open to anyone who felt wrongly treated. More arrests were expected as the march moves forward, officials said. The party says it will not back down.
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