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Islamabad: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is back in his old form after being acquitted in several cases and his remand was rejected in the May 9 violence case. Imran’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has now announced a nationwide movement for the release of all its jailed leaders. This has created a stir in the Pakistan government. After this announcement, the administration has made preparations to deal with possible clashes with PTI supporters. Apart from PTI, the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami has also announced a demonstration in Islamabad against the high prices of electricity and other commodities.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will hold nationwide protests for the release of party founder Imran Khan (71) and other leaders and workers. Khan was arrested on August 5 last year after being convicted in the Toshakhana corruption case filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Since then he has been in jail in various cases. Though cricketer-turned-politician Khan has been granted bail or had his conviction annulled, he has not been released. PTI said it will hold a protest in front of the National Press Club in the capital while Jamaat-e-Islami plans to stage a sit-in at the famous F-Chowk opposite the Parliament House.
Police impose Section 144 in Islamabad
Meanwhile, police in Islamabad imposed Section 144, banning all forms of gatherings, including protests, in the federal capital and sealing the ‘red zone’, which houses major government offices and embassies, and prohibiting entry. Police also partially closed the Islamabad Highway at the Faizabad interchange, the main entry point to Islamabad from Rawalpindi. Besides, the Punjab Home Ministry imposed Section 144 in the province to ban all protests and gatherings.
PTI workers arrested ahead of agitation
The PTI has claimed that its party leaders are being arrested ahead of nationwide protests. It said Punjab police raided the house of PTI leader Raja Basharat in Rawalpindi. It said dozens of people, including lawyer Javed Iqbal, were arrested in Rahim Yar Khan city. The party said police raided the camp office of PTI leader Mehar Naeemullah in Lahore and arrested five of his friends, though Naeemullah managed to escape.
