The government has tightened its grip on the PTI party by arresting its top leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Fawad Chaudhry, and Asad Umar, within 24 hours.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the former foreign minister, was arrested early Thursday after the police raided Gilgit-Baltistan House in Islamabad under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO).
Qureshi is facing charges related to involvement in riots and arsons in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, despite his arrest, Qureshi encouraged PTI party workers to continue fighting for true freedom in Pakistan.
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In a statement before his arrest, Qureshi said he had been in practical politics for 40 years and always defended Pakistan’s interests. He expressed his grief and shock over the approximately 50 casualties in the recent violent protests after Imran Khan’s arrest. Qureshi emphasized the importance of sacrifices for a worthwhile cause, urging PTI workers to remain committed to their cause.
Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, and Omer Sarfraz Cheema were among the other top PTI leaders arrested on Wednesday. Asad Umar, PTI’s Secretary General, was arrested from the premises of the Islamabad High Court.
Almost 1,000 PTI workers have reportedly been arrested, including former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, who was taken into custody under Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) after leaving the Supreme Court premises.
Read: UN Calls for Peace Amid Protests Over Imran Khan’s Arrest
These arrests signal the government’s intent to suppress the PTI’s protests and maintain control amidst the ongoing unrest following Imran Khan’s arrest. However, the situation remains tense as protests continue and PTI supporters demand the release of their party leaders.
 leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Fawad Chaudhry, and Asad Umar. Protests continue across the country as supporters demand their release.){kind=link}