On Sunday, Faisalabad police arrested 27 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters who were allegedly masquerading as a wedding procession amidst a heightened crackdown on protesters.
The arrests came as PTI convoys from across Pakistan made their way to Islamabad to protest against former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s detention and demand the restoration of democracy. The situation has been described as a “cat-and-mouse game,” with activists adopting creative methods to evade authorities.
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In one instance, PTI supporters reportedly hid among dense trees in Attock. In another, a group of participants traveling in a decorated wedding convoy was stopped by police, who suspected illegal activity. The vehicles, adorned with flowers, included one with a “groom” at the front of the procession. Upon investigation, police arrested the activists, claiming they were part of the protest effort.
Later, the actual bridegroom arrived on Sargodha Road with a wedding invitation card, explaining that the halted vehicles were genuinely part of his wedding procession traveling to Ameen Pur Bungalow. He clarified that the police had misunderstood the situation, confiscating phones and car keys from drivers, causing disruption to the festivities.
The arrests occurred as Imran Khan urged his supporters to march towards Islamabad on November 24. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticized the movement, describing it as an “insurrection” and accusing PTI of attempting to disrupt the federal capital.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court prohibited protests or rallies violating public gathering laws due to the scheduled visit of the Belarusian president, and additional security personnel have been deployed to maintain order in the city.
