In a major crackdown ahead of a planned protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Lahore police have arrested more than 35 activists from various parts of the city.
This move comes just days before the PTI demonstration set for October 15, which coincides with the first day of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Islamabad.
The protest is being organized by the party to express their grievances regarding political issues and what they see as unlawful actions by the government.
Police Raids in Lahore Target PTI Organizers
According to reports from ARY News, the Punjab police have conducted multiple raids across Lahore in areas such as Defence, Kot Lakhpat, and Johar Town. These operations were specifically aimed at individuals believed to be involved in the planning and organization of the PTI protest.
The arrests are part of the government’s broader strategy to maintain law and order during the upcoming SCO Summit, which will be attended by several international leaders.
Law enforcement officials have defended the arrests, stating that the measures are necessary to prevent any disruption during the high-profile event. While police emphasized their responsibility to ensure public safety, they also acknowledged the importance of respecting citizens’ right to protest. The tension between the government and PTI, however, continues to escalate as the protest date approaches.
PTI’s Call for Protest and Government’s Response
The leadership of PTI, founded by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been vocal about their plans for the October 15 protest. The party initially announced the protest after a political committee meeting, with PTI’s central information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram confirming the date and location for the demonstration.
The protest, planned for D-Chowk in Islamabad, is intended to draw attention to what the party sees as political oppression and the violation of human rights.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Akram stated that PTI’s protests in Punjab had been called off, but he demanded the immediate release of workers, leaders, and Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) who were arrested. Akram also called for an end to what he termed as “unlawful” raids and arrests by both the federal and Punjab governments.
Akram further claimed that the government was endangering the life of PTI chairman Imran Khan, accusing officials of stripping Khan of basic human rights.
According to Akram, the government’s actions have crossed a line, and PTI will not back down. He warned that if Imran Khan is not granted access to his basic rights, party leaders, and family members, “the entire Pakistan will take to the streets on October 15.” PTI has framed the protest as a powerful statement against what they see as government oppression.
Government Urges PTI to Withdraw Protest Amid SCO Summit
On the government’s side, efforts have been made to de-escalate the situation. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called on PTI to withdraw its protest in the “larger national interest.” In a statement to reporters following his review of preparations for the SCO Summit, Dar urged PTI leadership to reconsider their plans, suggesting that the demonstration would harm the country’s image during an international event of this magnitude.
Dar expressed concerns that PTI’s planned protest could have significant diplomatic repercussions. Due to the protest, the Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan, which was originally scheduled during the SCO Summit, has been postponed, according to Geo News. The government fears that the protest could further destabilize the political situation and lead to potential unrest during the summit.
Dar also drew parallels to PTI’s activities during the 2014 protests, cautioning the party against repeating the mistakes of the past. He emphasized that the country could not afford another period of political unrest, especially with high-level international figures present in Pakistan for the SCO meeting.
In his view, the PTI has already crossed “red lines” by targeting state institutions, and he urged the party to make amends for their past actions by canceling the October 15 protest.
The arrests of PTI activists in Lahore and the increasing tension between PTI and the government have set the stage for a contentious day on October 15. As Pakistan prepares to host the SCO Summit, the planned protest by PTI could not come at a more delicate time.
While the government stresses the need for national unity and stability during the international event, PTI remains determined to push forward with their demonstration, framing it as a fight for fundamental rights and against government overreach.
Whether the protest will proceed as planned or if further government interventions will take place remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the events of October 15 will be closely watched, both within Pakistan and by the international community, as the country navigates this critical moment of political unrest and diplomatic significance.