The police have started a major crackdown on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership as the party gets ready for its much-anticipated gathering in Lahore on September 21.
The parliamentary leader of the PTI in the Punjab Assembly, Ali Imtiaz Warraich, was caught and held for two hours before being freed. This was a big deal. Party members have expressed concern about the rising tensions before the rally as a result of this move.
In addition, cops raided the home of PTI leader Aliya Hamza late at night. Hamza was upset about the police’s actions, even though she had been in jail for 16 months. She said that officers from three different stations broke into her home at midnight and searched it thoroughly. She questioned why they were targeting her while she was out on bail, stating that they were afraid of the PTI rally. “They should inform me if they are seeking me.”
The government may arrest more PTI leaders as it intensifies its raid, sources say.
Because of what’s happening, the PTI has put together a 27-person group whose job it is to make sure that the plans for the upcoming rally go smoothly. President Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood of Lahore and Secretary General Owais Younis made the announcement. They stressed that the committee would manage the entire event.
Also, the PTI has officially asked the district administration for approval to hold the rally at the famous Minar-e-Pakistan. This shows that they are determined to go ahead with their plans, even though tensions are still high.
As the date gets closer, everyone will be looking at Lahore, where politics are still changing because of these events.