Police crackdown on PTI rallies in twin cities, arrest Aamir Mughal, others

PTI supporters raise slogans and demand release of party’s founding chairman Imran Khan

Islamabad police have arrested PTI leader Aamir Mughal, who was leading a rally of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters on eve of Independence Day. Several participants reaching D-Chowk were also taken into custody.

The rally, led by Mughal, started from F-9 Park with plans to conclude at Jinnah Avenue. However, sources said that police intervened as the rally reached Blue Area, resulting in Mughal's arrest.

PTI supporters in the rally raised slogans and demanded the release of party’s founding chairman Imran Khan.

In Rawalpindi, another rally led by PTI leader Seemabia Tahir was held, during which police arrested four supporters, including two women, from Murree Road.

PTI had announced plans for peaceful demonstrations across Punjab on Tuesday, August 13, the eve of Pakistan's 77th Independence Day. The protests were intended to call for the release of several detained party leaders and workers, including PTI founding chairman Imran Khan.

The development came amid ongoing crackdowns against PTI over its alleged role in the riots of May 9, during which military installations, including Rawalpindi’s General Headquarters and Lahore Corps Commander’s House, were targeted by protesters.