Arrested Afghans blame PTI for alleged plot to incite violence in Islamabad

Authorities are intensifying legal actions against those involved in the violence and disruptions.

Several Afghan nationals arrested for inciting chaos have made revelations, claiming they were lured into participating in protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

In a statement, detainee Khayal Gul identified himself as being from Afghanistan and alleged that PTI offered him a daily payment of Rs 2,000 to join a protest and engage in vandalism.

"The PTI leadership ran away, and we were caught by the police," he said, expressing remorse for following PTI's lead, adding that they had not received any promised payments.

Another detainee, Mula Dad, stated that he and two friends travelled from Peshawar to participate in PTI protests.

He claimed they were encouraged to commit acts of vandalism and have yet to receive any financial compensation, now finding themselves imprisoned.

"We urge our Afghan brothers not to engage in any form of violence or damage to property," he pleaded.

Abdul Rahman, another detainee, expressed that he works hard to earn a living for his children and does not condone the PTI's call for disruption.

"They wanted us to create chaos in Islamabad and damage government property," he stated.

Authorities are intensifying legal action against all individuals involved in these disturbances, aiming to connect the dots of this alleged conspiracy to incite unrest under the guise of protest.

D-Chowk protests

Previously, in the lead-up to the planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest at D-Chowk, authorities took decisive action to prevent any disruption.

The Islamabad Police conducted a series of arrests, detaining 412 individuals, including 60 Afghan nationals, who were preparing to join the demonstration.

This crackdown was part of a broader strategy to maintain order and discourage any attempts to breach security during the protest.

Reports indicated that those arrested were found in possession of various items, including spiked batons, slingshots, and marbles, which raised concerns about potential violence.

The arrests took place in several areas, including Bara Kahu, Tarnol, and Sangjani, prompting law enforcement agencies to enhance security measures throughout the capital. In response to the escalating situation, Rangers were deployed to secure the Red Zone, ensuring that key areas remained protected.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed concerns about the planned protest, particularly due to the presence of foreign dignitaries, including the Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He warned PTI leaders to reconsider their plans, asserting that any attempt to breach security measures would be met with a firm response.

"No leniency will be shown to those who challenge the law," Naqvi stated, underscoring the administration's commitment to maintaining order during the protest.

The local administration mobilised a substantial force, deploying 4,000 police officers to manage the situation effectively.

Security barriers, including containers, were set up at strategic locations to deter protesters from entering Islamabad from Rawalpindi.

Key entry points were reinforced, with law enforcement agencies on high alert to prevent any disruptions.

Rawalpindi's City Police Officer, Khalid Hamdani, confirmed the extensive preparations, stating that legal action would be taken against anyone found to be causing unrest or damaging public property.