Govt turns up heat on PTI post-rallies

Police have registered 10 cases against PTI workers for staging a rally and holding a protest in Lahore on Aug 5.

The FIRs include charges such as sedition, interference in official duties, and theft, according to police.

The cases were filed at police stations in Model Town, Liaquatabad, Kot Lakhpat, Chuhang, Nawab Town, and Millat Park. Police said the protest turned violent, with participants blocking roads and clashing with officers.

A total of 129 people were arrested for their alleged involvement in the unrest. Among them, 92 had reportedly arrived in Lahore from other cities to take part in the demonstration.

In a wider crackdown over the past three days, over 900 PTI workers have been detained across various areas, including more than 200 taken into custody during targeted raids. Many of those arrested on Aug 3 and 4 have since been released on bail, police said.

According to FIRs, PTI supporters allegedly attacked police personnel during the protest, tore their uniforms, and shouted anti-government slogans.

Police said legal action is being pursued, and those in custody will be presented before the courts.

Karachi

Karachi Police have registered a case against PTI Karachi president and seven other senior leaders, along with over 500 other unidentified workers, on charges of rioting, vandalism and disrupting public order during a rally on University Road in Karachi.

The case was lodged at the PIB Colony Police Station on behalf of the state, following violent incidents during a rally held on August 5 near Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

The rally was led by PTI leaders Raja Azhar, Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Arsalan Khalid, Awab Alvi, Saifur Rehman, and Alamgir Khan, and attended by an estimated 500 to 600 participants.