PTI protests: Lahore police arrest 350 ahead of planned demonstrations

Police have launched operations in multiple areas, detaining activists to maintain order.

Following a call for protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Lahore police have arrested over 350 party supporters and activists as part of a crackdown aimed at maintaining order.

The arrests were made as police targeted individuals suspected of inciting public unrest.

The police have issued a list of more than 1,600 active PTI members, who are suspected of facilitating widespread arrests, Express News reported.

The detained activists were taken into custody across various cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi, for their alleged involvement in inciting citizens to protest.

The police conducted operations in several localities, including Iqbal Town, Johar Town, and Defence, among others.

Special teams have been formed to ensure a robust response to the situation, with police officials stating that they are seeking detention orders for individuals deemed a threat to public peace.

As part of the preparations for the nationwide protests scheduled to follow Friday prayers, the authorities have increased surveillance and enforcement measures to deter any potential disturbances.

Despite the arrests, PTI has reiterated its commitment to mobilising its supporters and maintaining its political activities across the country.

Earlier today, multiple roads in Rawalpindi were blocked following PTI's call for nationwide protests after Friday prayers.

Key roads, including Peshawar Road near the Cheering Cross and NAL Road near the Military Hospital (MH), were barricaded on both sides, leaving only one lane open for traffic, Express News reported.

Police had set up zig-zag pickets at entry points into Rawalpindi, with additional personnel deployed. Roads leading to Murree Road's Marrir Chowk and Liaquat Bagh have also been sealed off, while Swann Bridge allows single-lane traffic for commuters.

Despite these blockades, other roads in Rawalpindi remain are open as usual.

In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the metro bus service remains suspended for a fifth consecutive day. The bus operations were initially halted from October 14-16 due to security measures surrounding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Despite the summit ending, the service did not resume on October 17, and remains suspended today.

Yesterday, Punjab government enforced Section 144 across the province, prohibiting all forms of protests, rallies, and public gatherings for two days- Friday, October 18, to Saturday, October 19.

"In view of the prevailing law and order situation and threat perceptions, any kind of protest or procession could become a soft target for terrorists," the Home Department said in a notification issued on Thursday.

The move came a day after the PTI announced a nationwide protest at the district level, urging supporters to gather on October 18 to demonstrate against constitutional amendments and the imprisonment of the party's founding chairman, Imran Khan.