Several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers including Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s daughter Meher Bano Qureshi and Javed Hashmi’s son-in-law Makhdoom Zahid Bahar Hashmi, were arrested in Multan on Saturday.
Police officials stated that PTI leaders and supporters organized a rally in defiance of Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings.
The rally, led by Meher Bano Qureshi, Makhdoom Zahid Bahar Hashmi, and PTI ticket-holder Dalir Mahar, was stopped by law enforcement near Pul Chattha Makhdoom Rashid, resulting in the arrest of several participants.
“The individuals were detained for violating Section 144,” police said, adding that many rally participants scattered and avoided arrest when authorities intervened.
PTI has labeled February 8 as “Black Day,” accusing the general elections held on this date of being rigged. The party had called for nationwide protests to observe the day.
PTI leader Qasim Hashmi alleged that numerous party workers were arrested along with senior leaders during the crackdown. However, police did not confirm the exact number of detainees.
