Key Takeaways
- Four PTI activists and workers were arrested by the capital police.
- Charges include sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including murder attempt and rioting.
- Preparations are underway to counter the PTI's nationwide protest.
The capital police have arrested four PTI activists and workers ahead of the political party’s planned September 27 protest, according to a police officer.
The activists were arrested under separate charges in response to a complaint lodged by a sub-inspector, the officer told Dawn.
The charges include sections 324 (Murder Attempt), 506(ii) (Punishment for criminal intimidation: If threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, etc.), 148 (Rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 186 (Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The police received information that the PTI workers were holding a meeting in connection with the protest at a property dealer’s office in the area of E-16.
A police team was constituted for the raid and the arrest. The police claimed that the workers tortured the police team when they raided the meeting venue, tearing their uniform and taking them hostage.
In response to the PTI’s countrywide protest, the capital police have started preparations to counter the movement.
A meeting was held at the Central Police Office Islamabad to review security arrangements and chalk out a plan to pre-empt the protest.
The meeting discussed the relevant matters in detail in the presence of all the concerned officers of the police.
As per the previous plan, the capital police were also collecting information related to the protest, including preparations by the political party and activities of its leaders, workers, and activists.
Vigilance and intelligence were mounted at guest houses, inns, bus terminals, and potential contractors who can provide and arrange meals, water, lodging, and transports for the protest.
The area police under which jurisdiction were also keeping an eye on such contractors.
The police intelligence wings/units – Special Branch and same in the Counter Terrorism Department are also vigilant.
They are collecting information of the leaders, activists, and workers of the PTI, whose details are available with them.
Surveillance is also mounted around the houses and other places of the leaders, activists, and workers where they reside or stay to avoid their arrest.
