Lahore
Over 200 workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were arrested in Punjab on Monday to prevent protests during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad. The PTI had planned a protest at D-Chowk, which coincided with the start of the two-day summit.
Law enforcement agencies confirmed that 50 members were arrested in Lahore and Sargodha, while others were detained in Faisalabad, Jhang, Gujrat, and Gujjar Khan. More arrests are expected as authorities have been directed to stop PTI members from traveling to Islamabad. Many leaders and activists are said to be in hiding to avoid arrest.
There have been reports of internal discussions within PTI regarding the protest, with some suggesting that it be postponed. Party chairman Gohar Ali Khan mentioned that the protest could be delayed if permission is given for a meeting between Imran Khan and his legal team. Imran Khan has been in Adiala Jail for the past 15 months on various charges.
Security measures have been increased in Islamabad for the SCO summit. A three-day public holiday has been declared, and army troops have been deployed in the capital’s Red Zone, where the summit is taking place.
