The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday demanded immediate release of its workers and leaders who were arrested following arrest of Imran Khan on May 9.
So far, over 1,000 PTI workers have been taken in custody in Punjab for vandalism, violence and arson of public and private properties.
However, its first tier leadership, which was also arrested following Imran Khan’s arrest, included Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Fawad Chaudhry, Asad Umar, Shireen Mazari, Jamshed Cheema, Musarrat Cheema, Maleeka Bokhari, Aliya Hamza, Ali Muhammad, Ali Haider Zaidi, Omar Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed.
Qureshi was arrested in the wee hours of last Thursday after the police raided Gilgit-Baltidstan House in Islamabad under Section 3 of Maintenance of Public order (3MPO).
Islamabad Police spokesperson confirmed that scores of PTI leaders, including Qureshi, Umar, Fawad , Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Falak Naz Chitrali, Mussarat Jamshed Cheema, and Maleeka Bukhari, were arrested.
According to the spokesperson, all arrests made in connection to the riots and arsons in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were carried out after completing the necessary legal procedures.
Among those arrested was former foreign minister Shah Mahmod Qureshi, who, before his arrest, urged party workers to continue fighting for true freedom in Pakistan.
The former minister, who has been involved in practical politics for 40 years, stated that he defended Pakistan’s interests as its foreign minister and has no regrets. He also asserted that he did not make any statements that could lead to legal action against him and expressed confidence that the PTI’s movement would succeed.
The second in command to Khan in the PTI expressed sadness and shock over the approximately 50 casualties resulting from the violent protests that erupted in Islamabad after the party chairman’s arrest.
He reminded party workers that achieving a worthy cause requires sacrifice and urged them to continue their struggle.
The PTI leader advised party members, including ticket holders and office-holders, to remain steadfast and not lose hope. He emphasized the importance of upholding the law and avoiding violent actions, stating that the party has not engaged in such behavior in the past and will not do so in the future.
On last Wednesday, the top tier of PTI leadership, including PTI’s Secretary General Umar, ex-governor Omer Sarfraz Cheema and party’s Senior Vice President Fawad, was arrested.
PTI’s senior leader Asad Umar was rounded up from the premises of the Islamabad High Court.
According to reports, nearly 1,000 PTI workers, including Cheema and Fawad have been arrested.
The former information minister was arrested under 16 MPO after he came out of the Supreme Court premises, where he remained holed up for almost the whole day to evade arrest.
