On Wednesday, the PTI opposition claimed the Punjab government imposed a curfew-like state in Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, and Mianwali. This came after PTI announced protests against inflation, for judicial independence, and the release of party founder Imran Khan.
Speaking at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, PTI’s Information Secretary, Sheikh Waqas Akram, said the government responded in panic, sealing cities.
He noted that authorities had already closed the Red Zone in Islamabad and other cities to block PTI protests and gatherings.
He recalled that the Punjab government enforced Section 144 in several cities, banning political gatherings on Wednesday and Thursday.
In Mianwali, authorities imposed Section 144 on Tuesday for a week.
Despite these measures, PTI leaders said supporters, including women, defied barriers and tear gas to rally in various cities.
Punjab police deployed heavy forces and used containers at city entrances and exits to stop protesters. PTI’s Shaukat Basra criticized Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar for turning cities into ‘container stands’ and called for his resignation.
Basra mentioned that these barriers disrupted protests and isolated cities, forcing residents to stay home. “The government turned selected districts into no-go zones, trapping residents,” he stated. PTI also shared footage of the protests in Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, and Mianwali.
Basra revealed that police detained about 500 party workers during the protests. Sheikh Waqqas added that arrests and home raids occurred in the three cities.
Answering questions, he accused the Punjab police of targeting PTI, claiming the IGP received orders to demean Punjab’s people.
Sheikh Waqqas concluded that the government had overreacted to PTI’s protest call. “Since Tuesday, they’ve sealed the Red Zone in Islamabad to prevent PTI’s protest,” he lamented.
