PAKPATTAN: The Pakpattan Saddar Police have registered a case against 37 individuals, including 22 named suspects and 15 unidentified persons, for organizing a rally in support of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and mobilizing for the February 8 protest call.
The incident occurred in Village 37/SP, Tehsil Pakpattan, where participants marched through the streets carrying party flags and banners, demanding the immediate release of PTI founder Imran Khan and other imprisoned leaders.
Police Allegations and Confrontation
According to the police report, a clash erupted when officials attempted to intercept the demonstration. The authorities have leveled several serious allegations against the protesters, including:
Chanting slogans against the Punjab government.
Manhandling and scuffling with police officials.
Damaging a government vehicle.
A report by Constable Saleem claiming his wallet was stolen during the commotion.
Legal Action and Inclusion of Minors
The FIR was registered on the complaint of Sub-Inspector Falik Sher under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC)—including 382, 440, 341, 148, and 149—alongside Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
In a move that has sparked controversy, the police named several individuals in the FIR, including 13-year-old Abu Amar and 10-year-old Abu Hurera. Other named suspects include Khizer Hayat, Fahad, Faisal, and Malik Irfan.
PTI Response: Party representatives have categorically rejected these allegations, labeling them as fabricated. They maintain that the rally was entirely peaceful and that no state work was obstructed.
Raids and Arrests
Following the registration of the case, police have launched a series of raids across the district. Waheed, the husband of PTI West Punjab Deputy Coordinator Iman Waheed, was reportedly arrested in Pakpattan.
Sources claim that the SHO of Kalyana Police Station and the DSP Saddar allegedly violated the “sanctity of the four walls” by entering a private residence to take Waheed and a relative into custody. Family members have further alleged that the officials used abusive language and physical violence during the arrest.
Condemnation by Leadership
PTI leader Ilyas Wattoo strongly condemned the ongoing crackdown on ideological workers. He demanded the immediate release of all detained members, specifically mentioning ticket holder PP-190 Meher Abdul Sattar, Zohaib Lakhoka, and Waheed.
“The arrest of peaceful political workers and the nomination of children in FIRs is an extreme measure that we condemn in the strongest terms,” Wattoo stated.