LAHORE: Police have registered a case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers following a protest in Lahore’s Ghalib Market area, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on Sunday.
According to police, the protest erupted during Afridi’s visit to the area, where demonstrators allegedly blocked roads and raised anti-government slogans, causing disruption to daily life. A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at Ghalib Market police station, naming several PTI workers and citing 20 to 30 unidentified individuals.
Police said at least 13 people were arrested during the protest. The FIR was registered on the complaint of Sub Inspector Imran Ahmed under sections 290 and 291 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which relate to creating public nuisance and continuing it despite warnings. Investigations are ongoing, officials added.
The case comes amid rising political tensions in Lahore during Afridi’s three day visit. Authorities imposed restrictions on public gatherings in parts of the city, saying the measures were aimed at maintaining law and order.
On Friday, Afridi was stopped at a police barricade near Chakri, according to his office. Speaking to the media, he criticised the move, calling the sealing of accommodation and meal areas “a clear sign of fear.” He accused Punjab authorities of trying to curb political activity and said such actions reflected a lack of public mandate.
Addressing a press conference at the Punjab Assembly, Afridi warned that nations suffer when leaders focus on intimidating opponents instead of solving people’s problems. He pointed to inflation, unemployment and insecurity, saying these issues were being ignored while political pressure increased on PTI.
Earlier on Saturday, Afridi announced that PTI would hold a public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan at 6pm on Sunday as part of what he described as a street movement. During his visit, he met party supporters at different locations and later visited families of jailed PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Dr Yasmin Rashid, whom he was not allowed to meet in Kot Lakhpat jail.
Rejecting claims that PTI had weakened in Punjab, Afridi challenged rival parties, particularly the PML-N, to test their public support in each other’s provinces. He said PTI leaders in jail were being held unjustly and remained a source of strength for the party, praising their loyalty despite health concerns and ongoing pressure.
The announcement of the Lahore rally has further raised political temperatures, with both supporters and authorities preparing for a tense Sunday in the city.
