Pakistan Arrests Over 1,000 PTI Supporters Ahead of Protest Against ‘Asim Law’

More than 1,000 supporters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan were detained on Friday. The arrests took place across Punjab before a major Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protest. The protest was planned in Lahore. The party said the move was meant to stop its march. According to Reuters, police tightened control in several districts.

PTI leaders said the protest was aimed at demanding Khan’s release. Khan has been in jail since 2023. He faces several corruption cases. Party members said the government wants to block all PTI street activity. Officials in Punjab said they would not allow any unlawful gatherings.

PTI Accuses Police of Crackdown on Lahore Protest Plan

PTI said police stopped cars carrying party leaders and workers entering Lahore. The party said vehicles linked to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi were turned away. PTI claimed the police arrested more than 1,000 people. According to Reuters, police also blocked some entry and exit points.

Afridi travelled to Lahore to start the protest. PTI said his supporters were stopped in many districts. Party leaders said the protest was part of its national plan. The plan came one day after a court sentenced Khan and his wife to 17 years in the Toshakhana 2 case. PTI said it will keep pushing for Khan’s release.

Punjab officials said security measures were needed. They said no group would be allowed to take the law into its own hands. The government said the arrests were preventive. They said the goal was to maintain order.

Growing Tension as PTI Presses Forward With National Campaign

PTI said its protest was meant to challenge what Khan calls “Asim Law.” Khan uses the term to accuse Pakistan’s military leadership of control over politics. Reuters has reported rising tension between PTI supporters and security forces over the past year.

PTI said the nation must “rise for its rights.” Khan has said he is ready to give his life for “true freedom.” Party members believe their movement will grow stronger with every crackdown. They said people are angry over arrests and long sentences.

Analysts say Pakistan faces rising political pressure. They say street protests could stretch the government’s control. They warn that mass arrests may fuel more unrest. For many citizens, the dispute signals deeper political problems that will take time to resolve.

The arrest of over 1,000 PTI workers shows how tense the country is today. The protest move will likely keep pressure on the government. The issue around ‘Asim Law’ will remain a key part of Pakistan’s political debate.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why were PTI workers arrested?

Police detained PTI workers ahead of a planned protest in Lahore. Authorities said the arrests were preventive. PTI calls it a crackdown.

Q2: What is the PTI protest about?

The protest aims to demand Imran Khan’s release. PTI also says it is pushing back against what Khan calls “Asim Law.”

Q3: How many arrests were reported?

PTI leaders said more than 1,000 supporters were arrested. Reuters reported heavy police control in several areas. The final number may change.

Q4: Who is Sohail Afridi?

He is the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PTI said his convoy was stopped as it tried to enter Lahore.

Q5: What legal cases is Imran Khan facing?

Khan faces multiple corruption cases. He was recently sentenced to 17 years in the Toshakhana 2 case.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News