Islamabad police detained Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and MNA Sher Afzal Marwat outside Parliament House after a session on Monday.
Before the arrests, a substantial police force had already gathered near the building. Once the PTI leaders emerged, officers quickly detained Marwat. A scuffle ensued between Marwat’s supporters and the police, yet officers managed to apprehend him and seize his vehicle.
While Marwat faced arrest, PTI leader Aamir Dogar left Parliament unimpeded.
Marwat’s arrest stemmed from several legal breaches during the previous night’s rally, including deviations from the approved route, breaches of the agreement, assaults on police, exceeding time limits, and making anti-state statements.
Additionally, PTI sources confirmed the arrest of Advocate Shoaib Shaheen from his office.
After these incidents, some PTI leaders chose to remain inside Parliament. Barrister Gohar Zain Qureshi and Waqas Akram returned to the building.
Police also intend to arrest Zartaj Gul and Omar Ayub. Gul reportedly avoided capture by hiding in a car’s back seat.
Following these arrests, Islamabad police filed three cases against PTI leadership for disruptions at a rally in Sangjani.
The first case involved exceeding the rally’s time limit and was filed at Sangjani Police Station. Another case, filed at Sumbal Police Station, pertained to route violations. The third case, at Noon Police Station, related to stone-pelting on police officers.
Overall, 28 PTI leaders, including Marwat and Gul, face charges. Police assert that PTI workers attacked them with stones and sticks after route violations, resulting in 17 arrests and the use of tear gas.
Federal ministers Attaullah Tarar and Engineer Amir Maqam accused the opposition of unethical practices at a rally during a press conference. They criticized the opposition for using provocative language.
Despite challenges, PTI rallied in Islamabad, leading to clashes and injuries. The city had been heavily fortified, disrupting transport and local businesses.
Marwat has planned future rallies, promising peaceful protests and urging broad participation.
The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) condemned these arrests and demanded the immediate release of its members. They criticized the Peaceful Protest and Public Order Act 2024 as unconstitutional. SCBAP has threatened strikes if the government fails to uphold constitutional rights.
