Authorities enforce Section 144 throughout the district, banning public gatherings for 15 days.
RAWALPINDI:
A PTI protest planned for Tuesday outside Adiala Jail was disrupted when law enforcement forces detained several party leaders and workers, including the sisters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, amid extensive restrictions imposed across Rawalpindi.
The party had called for a “peaceful protest” against restrictions on gatherings with its founder, but authorities enforced Section 144 across the district, banning public gatherings for 15 days.
Despite the restrictions and persistent rain in the twin cities, a considerable number of PTI leaders and supporters tried to reach the jail premises but were intercepted at multiple points by law enforcement personnel.
PTI Central Committee member Seemabia Tahir said the group, including Imran Khan’s sisters, was detained near DHA Chowk. “Law enforcement had already cleared a nearby hotel; they arrested Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, along with several workers, and closed the hotel’s shutters after detaining them,” he said.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned the operation and said leaders and workers were detained and forcibly subdued. He said protesters faced heavy shelling and baton charges, while routes leading to Adiala jail were sealed.
According to him, several party members traveling from different areas were detained at highway rest points, including Kallar Kahar and Chakri, where arrests were also carried out.
He said at least five members of the Punjab Assembly, including opposition leader Moeen Qureshi, were detained.
