The Punjab police detained 540 more leaders and members of the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Friday, in cases filed against them under the Anti-Terrorism Act across the province for carrying out attacks on the Corps Commander House in Lahore and other public and private buildings.
The Punjab police have opened 205 cases since May 9 against party personnel and officials across the province.
Police officers and PTI staff members got into a brief argument on Thursday night. Police searched PTI’s office on Jail Road and detained party members who were identified as suspects in incidents that were reported to various police stations.
When more policemen were asked to help, the party members reportedly started throwing stones at the police but quickly dispersed.
After hearing humor that Imran Khan, the PTI Chairman was being greeted by workers in large numbers after receiving court relief, the police presence near his Zaman Park was boosted on Friday evening.
In a statement made public on Friday, Punjab police chief Dr. Usman Anwar stated that perpetrators of crimes against police personnel, vital infrastructure, and both public and private property did not deserve sympathy.
The Punjab police said, “These miscreants are being identified and traced through CCTV footage, video recordings, and social media posts”. After Friday’s arrests, the number of detained leaders and supporters had risen to 2,790.
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