The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) is set to continue with its rally in Islamabad, despite the arrest of many activists and a change in protest location.
Initially planning a sit-in outside the Supreme Court of Pakistan to demand action against enforced disappearances, PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen revealed that multiple group members were detained while attempting to reach the court premises, where they aimed to advocate for their rights and safety.
Law enforcement employed road closures and obstacles to prevent large groups of protesters from reaching the federal capital, resulting in the apprehension of dozens of the party activists en route to the designated protest site.
In the face of these challenges posed by authorities, Pashteen affirmed the determination of PTM activists to press onward. Despite road closures, police resistance, and attempted arrests, he asserted that PTM youths remained steadfast and resolute in their objectives.
Subsequently, Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti announced a development in the situation. After successful negotiations with the government, the party agreed to shift its public gathering location from outside the Supreme Court to Tarnol.
The interior minister promptly ordered the release of detained activists in cities like Lahore and Peshawar. He expressed gratitude for the PTM leadership’s cooperation with the caretaker government.
According to reports, district police have taken into custody more than 50 PTM activists en route to the gathering. Prominent figures such as Naimatullah Wazir from PTM and Hassan Nasir from the National Democratic Movement (NDM) have also been arrested.
To curtail potential disturbances, the Islamabad administration implemented Section 144 indefinitely, prohibiting rallies within the jurisdiction of the federal capital.
