The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leaders Ali Wazir, Bilawal Mandokhel, Muzammil and Ismat Shahjahan among others have been arrested by police in Lahore.
According to PTM member and lawyer Mohsin Dawar, the leaders who had come to Lahore to hold a public meeting – which was not approved by the local administration – have been arrested.
The reason for the arrest has not been mentioned yet. Supporters of the PTM have taken to Twitter to condemn the move and have requested Punjab Chief Minister to look into the matter.
Earlier today, citing security concerns, the district administration in a letter written to Muhammad Ali of the PTM refused the request to hold a public meeting at Lahore’s historic Mochi Gate.
The parties involved in holding the meeting claim they were informed about the decision on Friday night.
The PTM planned to hold its public meeting, titled ‘Jalsa Raddul Fassad’, at Mochi Gate on the 22nd of April.
The PTM claimed that it would use the meeting to highlight the challenges and hurdles the Pashtun community faces and asked Lahori and Punjabi residents to support them in their movement.
Published in Daily Times, April 22nd 2018.
