30 PTI Workers Arrested as Pakistan Government Intensifies Crackdown on Imran Khan's Party

Islamabad: Over 30 supporters of jailed former premier Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, including lawyers, were arrested after they managed to reach historic Minar-e-Pakistan premises on late Saturday night demanding the release of their leader, police said on Sunday.

Lahore police have charged over 200 PTI leaders and workers, including Imran Khan, with terrorism offenses. To prevent PTI's protest, hundreds of containers were strategically placed throughout Lahore, blocking all entry and exit points. Additionally, police closed off roads leading to the Jati Umra Raiwind residence of the ruling Sharif family and deployed Rangers across the city.

Imran Khan Gives 'Do or Die' Directive To Party Workers For Nationwide Protests

A curfew-like atmosphere surrounded the Minar-e- Pakistan venue, which remains off-limits to the public indefinitely. Despite this, some PTI workers and lawyers managed to gather at the protest site late Saturday night, chanting slogans in support of their jailed leader, before police intervened and made arrests.

"Police have arrested over 30 PTI workers and registered a case against over 200 PTI workers and leaders, including Imran Khan, under terrorism and other charges," a police official said.

Former Punjab minister Mussarat Cheema and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Bachar also approached Minar-e- Pakistan , where they were detained. The two leaders stated that PTI workers had gathered to celebrate Khan's birthday and to pass the “Haqeeqi Azadi” (Real Freedom) resolution at this historic site, where the Pakistan Resolution was adopted in 1940.

Khan had previously issued a "Do or Die" directive, urging PTI supporters to organize protests in their respective cities.

"This protest will spread across Pakistan and every citizen will become its part,” senior PTI leader Salman Akram Raja posted on X.