RAWALPINDI: More than 100 active activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been detained in Rawalpindi Division ahead of the party’s planned march on September 27, according to police sources.
Police sources said that a total of 106 PTI workers have been detained across the division as authorities take precautionary measures in anticipation of the upcoming political activity.
The detained activists have reportedly been sent to Adiala Jail for a period of 30 days. The detention orders were issued on the recommendation of the District Intelligence Committee under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.
According to police sources, the authorities decided to detain the activists based on security assessments and intelligence recommendations regarding the September 27 march.
The largest number of detentions was reported from Attock, where 35 PTI activists have been detained. Rawalpindi follows with 31 detainees, while 23 activists have been detained in Chakwal.
In addition, 13 PTI workers from Jhelum and four from Wah Cantt have also been placed under detention.
The breakdown provided by police sources is as follows:
- Rawalpindi: 31 activists
- Attock: 35 activists
- Chakwal: 23 activists
- Jhelum: 13 activists
- Wah Cantt: 4 activists
- Total: 106 activists
The detention orders have been issued under Section 3 of the MPO, a legal provision that allows authorities to take preventive measures in certain circumstances involving public order and security concerns.
The move comes ahead of the PTI’s planned September 27 march, with authorities apparently seeking to prevent potential disruptions or clashes during the political gathering.
Police sources said the activists currently in custody have been detained for 30 days. Their detention was reportedly recommended by the District Intelligence Committee following an assessment of the prevailing security situation.
The development represents a significant security measure ahead of the planned political activity. The detention of active party workers could affect PTI’s organizational preparations in Rawalpindi Division, where the party has a considerable political presence.
The authorities have not indicated that all PTI supporters or members will be detained. Rather, the action appears to target individuals identified as active workers or those considered relevant to the planned march, according to police sources.
The use of preventive detention laws in connection with political gatherings has historically been a sensitive issue in Pakistan, particularly when authorities cite public-order concerns while political parties question the legality or necessity of such measures.
In this case, the detention orders were reportedly issued following recommendations from the District Intelligence Committee, with the activists subsequently transferred to Adiala Jail.
The September 27 march is expected to draw political attention, and security arrangements in Rawalpindi Division are likely to remain under close scrutiny in the days leading up to the event.
The detention of 106 activists across five areas of the division demonstrates the scale of the preventive measures being taken by local authorities. Attock recorded the highest number of detentions, followed by Rawalpindi and Chakwal.
Police officials have not, according to the information available, provided further details regarding the individual allegations or specific grounds against each detainee. The police sources only stated that the action was taken in connection with security concerns surrounding the planned PTI march.
The activists are expected to remain in Adiala Jail for the duration specified in their detention orders unless the orders are reviewed, withdrawn or otherwise modified through the relevant legal process.
The situation is likely to remain closely watched as the date of the PTI march approaches. Further developments could include additional security measures, changes to detention orders or responses from PTI leadership regarding the detention of its workers.
For now, police sources have confirmed that 106 PTI activists from Rawalpindi Division have been placed under 30-day preventive detention under Section 3 of the MPO, ahead of the party’s September 27 march.
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