Police have arrested dozens of activists from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during protests in Lahore, following a nationwide call for demonstrations by party leader Imran Khan.
The protesters gathered at prominent locations, including GPO Chowk and Minar-e-Pakistan, defying government-imposed restrictions.
Law enforcement agencies, aiming to maintain order, responded with a series of arrests as tensions escalated in the city. In an effort to contain the unrest, the authorities have deployed Rangers alongside local police, intensifying their presence across key areas.
The protests, which initially began in Islamabad, have now spread to Lahore, where PTI supporters assembled at GPO Chowk and Minar-e-Pakistan, ignoring official warnings. In a notable incident, a female protester successfully evaded security and managed to raise the PTI flag atop the Minar-e-Pakistan Bridge, symbolizing the defiance of demonstrators.
As the situation intensified, major entry and exit routes to Lahore were sealed off, leading to severe disruptions in daily life. Traffic gridlock, roadblocks, and restricted movement have caused significant inconvenience to residents trying to navigate through the city amidst the chaos.
In light of the unfolding situation, the Provincial Home Department issued a statement, emphasizing that the deployment of both Rangers and military forces is a preventative measure to safeguard the city.
Special attention is being directed towards protecting sensitive sites and ensuring the security of foreign delegates attending the high-profile Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
“The deployment of the army and Rangers is crucial to restoring calm and ensuring the security of key areas throughout Lahore,” stated a senior official from the Home Department.
“They have been authorized to detain individuals who threaten public safety, particularly in light of ongoing unrest.”
