PTI March: Eight MNAs arrested as party claims ministers are missing

Pakistan’s political and security situation has come under intense strain ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s possible march on September 27, with government and opposition leaders trading accusations and criticism.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan claimed that around 1,500 party workers, several members of the National Assembly, provincial legislators and a senator had been detained in different parts of the country. He also described the arrests of PTI founder Imran Khan’s sisters and four family members as purely an act of political victimisation.

According to reports, several political figures have been detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law, including National Assembly members Adil Buzdar, Mian Ahsan Jamil and Sanaullah Masti Khel, as well as Senator Saifullah Niazi and other regional leaders.

Police have also detained members of Imran Khan’s family as part of the crackdown. During operations in Lahore and other parts of Punjab, PTI founder’s sisters Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were also taken into custody.

Barrister Gohar further claimed that, although no formal notification had been issued, governor’s rule had effectively been imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that while the provincial assembly members belonged to the PTI, authority was being exercised by someone else, calling the situation extremely dangerous for democracy and alleging that the entire province was effectively under control.

Meanwhile, the administrations of Islamabad and Punjab have taken stringent measures to prevent the possible march and maintain law and order.

Section 144 and the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act have been enforced in the federal capital. Those violating the restrictions could face imprisonment of up to three years.

The administration said no kind of public gathering would be permitted in the city.

To prevent entry from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into Punjab and Islamabad, containers have been placed on motorways and highways, blocking several routes.

On the M-1 motorway, routes from Attock, Ghazi Interchange and Chachh towards the Islamabad Toll Plaza have been closed. Educational institutions have also been shut, with authorities directing that classes be conducted online.

Addressing party workers in Peshawar, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was attempting to march on Islamabad instead of focusing on the deteriorating situation in its own province. He said the province was “on fire” while PTI leaders had reached Lahore.

He accused the PTI of pursuing “TikTok and social media politics.”

Meanwhile, former PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat said in an interview that the party had put itself in a difficult position by taking the step without adequate preparation. He said even the party’s workers did not know the purpose of the proposed march.

Marwat said the government was driven by ego and arrogance, adding that if the prime minister called Barrister Gohar directly, it could provide the PTI with a face-saving opportunity.