On Tuesday, Islamabad police released Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), following his arrest under the newly enacted Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024. Gohar, among several PTI leaders detained, was discharged from a case registered at Sangjani police station. Speaking to journalists after his release, Gohar condemned the police actions, describing them as an attack on parliament and calling September 9 a “black day for Pakistan.”
He urged the National Assembly Speaker to investigate the incident where, according to him, masked men stormed Parliament House and arrested at least ten lawmakers. Gohar maintained that the party’s commitment to democracy had been unwavering, despite the hardships faced, questioning whether extending the duration of a rally was a crime.
Tensions Rise Over Rally Route Violations
The crackdown followed a PTI rally in Islamabad on Sunday, where clashes erupted between PTI workers and law enforcement agencies. The police claimed the party violated agreed-upon rally routes and exceeded the permitted time of 4 PM to 7 PM. An FIR filed at Sangjani police station reported that charged PTI workers attacked police teams with batons and stones when officers attempted to enforce the regulations.
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Several PTI leaders, including Sher Afzal Marwat, Zain Qureshi, Sheikh Waqas Akram, Naseem-ur-Rehman, and Zubair Khan, were arrested under the new public order law at Noon Village and Sangjani police stations. Despite the turmoil, PTI leadership has defended its actions, calling the arrests politically motivated.
Courts Hear Habeas Corpus Petitions
Meanwhile, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad sent Shoaib Shaheen, another senior PTI leader, to jail on judicial remand, rejecting a police request for a 15-day physical remand. The prosecution alleged that Shaheen provoked supporters and participated in attacks on law enforcement using their equipment. Defense Attorney Riyasat Ali, however, argued that Shaheen was arrested from his chamber, which is protected under the law. He also presented CCTV footage in court, disputing the prosecution’s claims.
Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain of the ATC reserved the verdict on the physical remand request and adjourned the hearing. The court sent other leaders, including Sher Afzal Marwat and Zain Qureshi, to jail on eight-day physical remand.
High Court Intervenes
Simultaneously, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) heard a habeas corpus petition challenging the arrests. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq questioned police procedures and sought documents related to the arrest of PTI leaders. Islamabad Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi appeared before the court and confirmed that detained individuals had been formally arrested.
The IHC adjourned the hearing, stating, “We will wait till the ATC gives a ruling on the police request,” with the court’s decision pending further proceedings.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq responded to the events by summoning the Inspector General of Islamabad Police and other senior officials to the Parliament House. He demanded the release of all members not named in the FIR and ordered a comprehensive report on the raid, signaling a firm stance on ensuring parliamentary sovereignty and accountability.