The Pakistani government has intensified its crackdown on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in the aftermath of nationwide protests against the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Within a 24-hour period, key PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Fawad Chaudhry, and Asad Umar, were detained from Islamabad, marking a significant development in the ongoing political turmoil in the country.
Top Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Fawad Chaudhry, and Asad Umar, were arrested in Islamabad in the early hours of Thursday. The police conducted a raid at Gilgit-Baltidstan House in Islamabad and arrested Qureshi under Section 3 of Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO).
The arrests were made as part of the government’s crackdown on the party following countrywide protests against the arrest of ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan. Scores of other PTI leaders, including Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Falak Naz Chitrali, Mussarat Jamshed Cheema, Journalist Imran Riaz, and Maleeka Bukhari, were also taken into custody. The Islamabad Police spokesperson confirmed the arrests.
Senior journalist and anchor, Imran Riaz Khan, was arrested at Sialkot Airport on suspicion of inciting violence during clashes between security forces and supporters of PTI chief Imran Khan. The latter was also detained on Tuesday on graft charges and is known for being a critic of the current government and military establishment.
The spokesperson stated that all arrests made after fulfilling legal obligations and further arrests are anticipated.
Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrested on charges of inciting riots and arsons in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Prior to his arrest, he urged PTI workers to continue their struggle for true freedom. Qureshi, who defended Pakistan’s interests during his time as foreign minister, expressed confidence in the PTI movement and said he has no regrets or made any provocative statements that could lead to lawsuits.
 party in the aftermath of nationwide protests against the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.){kind=link}