SAHIWAL (News Desk) – Sahiwal Police have arrested Rana Amir Shahzad, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ticket holder for constituency NA-141, along with several party workers on charges of organizing an illegal rally and blocking public roads.
Incident Details
According to police sources, the protest took place at Chak 86/6-R, Lakkar Mandi Chowk, within the jurisdiction of Farid Town Police Station. Led by Rana Amir Shahzad and Amin Bagga Sindhi, participants blocked the road in front of Sindhi’s sawmill. Protesters carried placards demanding the “return of the public mandate” and chanted slogans against the current government.
FIR and Police Action
Police officials maintained that “hate speech” and anti-government provocations were made during the demonstration. While the crowd dispersed upon the arrival of the police contingent, an FIR was registered on the complaint of Sub-Inspector Muhammad Afzal.
The charges filed include:
Section 16 MPO (Maintenance of Public Order)
Sections 188, 341, 148, and 149 PPC (Unlawful assembly and obstructing public ways)
Family members of the PTI leader have leveled serious allegations against the police, claiming that 20 to 25 police vehicles raided Rana Amir Shahzad’s residence. They alleged that the police violated the sanctity of the home, breaking the main gate, doors, and windows to effect the arrest, describing the move as an act of “pure fascism.”
Health Crisis in Custody
In a critical update, Rana Amir Shahzad Tahir, who also serves as the President of the PTI West Punjab Kisan Wing, was rushed from jail to DHQ Hospital Sahiwal after suffering a heart attack. Despite his medical condition, Shahzad remained defiant, stating that “this oppression will not last forever” and reaffirming his unwavering loyalty to PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
Social and Political Reaction
The arrests have sparked outrage among Sahiwal’s social and political circles. Critics have condemned the crackdown, arguing that peaceful protest is a fundamental constitutional right. They characterized the administration’s actions as a violation of democratic values and an attempt to stifle political dissent.