Authorities in Lahore have intensified their crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers, arresting dozens of activists as protests continue to unfold across the city. Demonstrators gathered at GPO Chowk and Minar-e-Pakistan, defying government restrictions following party leader Imran Khan’s call for nationwide protests.
The protests, which originally began in Islamabad, have now spread to Lahore, where police and Rangers have been deployed to maintain law and order. Despite the heavy security presence, PTI workers took to the streets, with some successfully bypassing barricades. In one instance, a woman managed to raise the PTI flag on Minar-e-Pakistan Bridge before being detained by authorities.
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As the protests escalated, police arrested several PTI supporters across key locations, while major roads leading into and out of Lahore were sealed off, causing significant disruptions. Traffic jams and road closures have left citizens struggling to navigate the city amid the unrest.
The Punjab government emphasized the importance of the ongoing security measures, noting that the deployment of Rangers and the military is crucial for safeguarding sensitive sites, especially ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.
“We have called in the army and Rangers to maintain peace and protect key installations,” said a senior official from the Provincial Home Department. “These security forces are authorized to detain individuals posing a threat to public safety.”
