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Lahore Police Crackdown on PTI Leaders Ahead of Islamabad Protest on Oct 15
Lahore police launch crackdown on PTI leaders and workers ahead of the planned Oct 15 protest in Islamabad. Authorities aim to prevent mobilization as Pakistan prepares for the SCO summit.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-12
Lahore Police Crackdown on PTI Leaders Ahead of Islamabad Protest on Oct 15

As Pakistan gears up to host the prestigious Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the Lahore police have initiated a significant crackdown on leaders and activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) in connection with their planned protest at Islamabad's D-Chowk on October 15.

 

According to police sources, comprehensive lists of individuals involved in organizing and preparing for the protest have been finalized. The crackdown is spearheaded by the Organized Crime Unit, in collaboration with the operations and investigation wings of the Lahore police. The focus is on PTI workers who have been involved in previous cases, particularly those registered during the protests on May 9 and October 21, 2023.

 

The Special Branch has also been instructed to closely monitor local PTI leaders and activists. Police officials have been directed to take immediate action against any party members found mobilizing or organizing for the upcoming rally.

 

As part of the crackdown, the police have made it a priority to prevent PTI workers from leaving Lahore for Islamabad to participate in the protest. The protest coincides with Pakistan's hosting of the SCO summit, which is expected to draw foreign dignitaries and provide a significant opportunity for the nation to enhance its international standing. However, PTI’s plans for a large-scale demonstration have raised concerns about potential disruptions to the country’s stability and global image.

 

PTI leader Sheikh Waqas Akram, in a social media post, confirmed that the party’s political committee had instructed its organizational heads to prepare for the demonstration. The timing of the protest, coinciding with the arrival of foreign delegations, has led to criticism from various quarters, with many viewing it as a deliberate attempt to undermine Pakistan’s international reputation.

 

The protest announcement follows a series of events that have strained relations between PTI and the federal government, particularly following the party’s confrontations with authorities earlier this year. The government, concerned about the potential impact on the SCO summit, has vowed to take all necessary measures to ensure that Islamabad remains secure and free from disruptions.

 

The Special Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Amendments, which will be holding meetings during this time, is also expected to be affected by the heightened security and political tensions. With the protest threatening to divert attention from key national and international engagements, the coming days will prove crucial for the PTI, the government, and Pakistan’s image on the global stage.
Tagged:

SCO

LahorePolice

PakistanPolitics

PTIProtest

DChowk

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