A senior PTI leader has been detained in Lahore under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, ahead of the party’s planned nationwide protest and march to Islamabad on September 27.
The detention order stated that the individual was being held for 30 days at Central Jail Kot Lakhpat. It cited police reports alleging that the detainee posed a potential threat to public order and had previously been involved in protests and road blockades.
The order also alleged that the detainee had encouraged workers to damage public and government property during the May 9, 2023 protests and was again mobilising supporters through social media and public gatherings ahead of the planned protest.
Authorities said multiple cases had been registered against the detainee and another individual. The detention was recommended as a preventive measure to maintain law and order in Lahore.
Family members and legal representatives disputed the detention and said they had initially been unable to obtain official confirmation. They demanded that authorities disclose the detainee’s whereabouts and provide access to legal remedies.
The PTI condemned the detention and said its September 27 protest would remain peaceful. The party demanded the detainee’s immediate release and criticised the use of preventive detention ahead of the planned demonstration.
An opposition alliance also condemned the arrest and called for the release of the detained political workers.
Detentions Ahead of Protest
The detention comes amid a wider crackdown on PTI workers in Punjab ahead of the September 27 protest. Authorities have issued preventive detention orders against several party workers under the MPO in different districts.
Similar measures have been reported in Islamabad, where the party plans to march on the day of the protest. Authorities have said they will take steps to prevent disruption, while a court has ruled that political parties and their leadership cannot lawfully occupy public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or government buildings in the capital.
Police have also detained several PTI workers in Islamabad in connection with preparations for the planned protest.
Authorities have begun security preparations across the capital, including placing containers at entry points and deploying measures aimed at managing potential demonstrations.
