Police have arrested Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Imtiaz Sheikh in Lahore.
The incident occurred earlier today, with law enforcement officials apprehending Sheikh and placing him in a prison van.
The MPA was arrested when he started to speak to the media at Thokar Niaz Baig. PTI workers and leaders had started gathering at the spot to travel to Islamabad in connection with the party's rally there.
In anticipation of the PTI workers attempting to travel to Islamabad, a large contingent of police had already been deployed that also arrested other party workers besides Sheikh.
Police claim they cracked down on PTI workers over violation of Section 144 that had been in place to avoid large gatherings. They also said that Sheikh had been transferred to a police station, however they refused to reveal which one.
Also Read: PTI postpones Islamabad jalsa amid ‘tense’ political atmosphere
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced postponement of the party's public gathering in Islamabad. Party leader Azam Swati along with the PTI chairman told the media that they had postponed today's public gathering in Islamabad on the directions of PTI Founder Imran Khan.
The political atmosphere was tense as the PTI announced its rally in Islamabad despite the administration revoking the party's permit for the event late last night, leading to heightened security measures across the twin cities. Containers have been strategically placed around the Red Zone, effectively blocking all roads leading to the area.
Security was placed on high alert in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Access to the Red Zone was restricted, with only government employees allowed to enter by showing their office cards.
