Dr. Yasmin Rashid, the Central Punjab President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Punjab health minister were arrested by Lahore police, despite the Lahore High Court’s suspension of the detention of 17 women, including Rashid herself.
The arrest is part of an ongoing government clampdown on the PTI, with Rashid’s detainment linked to rioting charges following nationwide protests that erupted after PTI leader Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9.
Rashid was apprehended at Services Hospital about three cases, according to police sources. These cases, registered at Sarwar Road, Gulberg, and Shadman police stations, encompass charges related to terrorism and other grave offenses.
It’s worth noting that Rashid was hospitalized due to declining health conditions. Law enforcement officers from the Model Town division executed her arrest. Considering her ill health, she remains under police watch at the hospital.
Despite a high court order to release 17 women, including Dr. Rashid, from Kot Lakhpat jail, they were all rearrested under different charges shortly after their release. Advocate Muhammed Rashid confirmed this development to the media outside the jail.
Rashid’s health continues to worsen, with party sources stating she suffers from respiratory issues.
The PTI leader was detained on May 12 under section three of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO). The government’s crackdown on PTI leadership and supporters intensified amidst increasingly violent protests.
Rashid is implicated in several cases, including an attack on the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence.
The PTI now demands the immediate release of other senior members still in detention. In a tweet, PTI stated, “Our leadership and peaceful Pakistanis are still under arrest; we demand immediate release for all of them!”
Among the leaders still detained are Asad Umar, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Fawad Chaudhary, Ejaz Chaudhary, Ali Mohammad Khan, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, and Omar Sarfaraz Cheema, all of whom were arrested under section three of the MPO.
