Law enforcement agencies in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have intensified their crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This move comes in anticipation of a protest planned by Imran Khan’s party at D-Chowk in Islamabad on October 15.
Rawalpindi police have begun detaining PTI workers and conducted overnight raids on the homes of several party activists. Among those targeted were senior leaders Raja Basharat, former lawmaker Wahid Qasim, Arif Abbasi, and Rashid Hafiz, though the leaders themselves have reportedly evaded arrest.
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A police spokesperson confirmed that Section 144 is currently in effect in Rawalpindi, prohibiting public gatherings, which makes the planned protests illegal. The imposition of these security measures is linked to preparations for the upcoming SCO summit, amid heightened concerns over public safety.
In a related development, police also attempted to raid the residence of former National Assembly candidate Shehryar Riaz, but he was not present during the operation. Meanwhile, security forces in Islamabad are finalizing plans to maintain order as the situation progresses.
