Asad Qaiser, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Speaker of the National Assembly, was arrested in Islamabad on Friday. The arrest is reportedly linked to alleged “corrupt practices” related to the procurement of medical equipment for a public medical institution in his constituency in Swabi.

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Qaiser’s arrest was confirmed by his brother, who disclosed that he was apprehended at his residence in Banigala, Islamabad. The arrest took place when a group of police officers and plainclothes individuals raided his home and detained him.

Sources suggest that the former National Assembly speaker is facing charges related to corrupt practices in the procurement of medical equipment for Gajju Khan Medical College in Swabi.

In response, the PTI, through its Central Media Department, strongly condemned Asad Qaiser’s arrest, describing it as a “shameful” act, particularly coinciding with the announcement of the election date. The party expressed concerns about the transparency of the upcoming elections and questioned the Election Commission of Pakistan’s ability to conduct them without interference.

The PTI accused the series of what they see as “unjustified arrests” of their party leaders as part of a deliberate strategy to marginalize the PTI in the electoral race. They called on the Election Commission of Pakistan to stop alleged pre-election rigging efforts and ensure a level playing field for all political parties. Additionally, the PTI announced its intention to challenge Asad Qaiser’s arrest in the judiciary.