Police arrests and cases against PTI workers have intensified in Sahiwal as the party prepares for its September 27 protest call.
Around 34 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and office-bearers have reportedly been arrested in Sahiwal district over the past 36 hours, according to sources cited by Dawn.
Sources said 16 workers were arrested in Chichawatni tehsil, while 24 were detained in Sahiwal tehsil. Police later released six people after they submitted affidavits and assurances that they would not take part in any rally or procession.
The arrests come ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 protest and reflect growing tensions between the party and authorities in the district.
Meanwhile, PTI has alleged that police are also targeting its local leaders through the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco).
In one case, Fesco Sardarpur Noon Sub-Divisional Officer Muhammad Atif reportedly lodged a complaint alleging that Naeem Haider was involved in electricity theft in Dhal village. The complaint stated that electricity was allegedly being stolen at his public secretariat and that the meter seals had been broken.
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Following the complaint, Bhera police registered a case against Naeem Haider Panjotha. A spokesperson for Haider, however, alleged that the case was politically motivated and claimed the secretariat had been used to organise preparations for the upcoming PTI protest.
In a separate incident, Fesco Sial Mor Sub-Division lineman Sikandar Hayat alleged that he was assaulted while performing his duties in Doda village. Following a complaint by the Sial Mor SDO, Laksian police registered a case against Muhammad Khan, Muhammad Imran and Muhammad Nawaz.
The three suspects were reported to have links with PTI.
The latest developments come amid heightened political tensions as PTI prepares for its September 27 protest. The party has repeatedly accused authorities of using arrests and legal cases to restrict its political activities, while law enforcement agencies have maintained that action is taken in response to alleged violations and complaints.
The situation in Sahiwal remains closely watched as the protest date approaches, with further arrests or legal action possible in the days ahead.
