At least eight Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders have been placed in police protective custody in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said on Monday.
Those taken into custody include now-dysfunctional Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar are also among the detained leaders.
Police described the move as protective custody rather than formal arrest.
The development comes as political and security tensions remain high across the province.
Sources said a meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa apex committee is scheduled to take place later on Monday.
The meeting will be chaired by KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
Senior civil and security officials are expected to attend the session.
The committee will review the overall law and order situation in the province.
Recent security challenges have increased pressure on provincial authorities and law enforcement agencies.
Militant activity, political tensions and concerns over public order are expected to feature prominently in the discussion.
Officials are also likely to assess current security arrangements and possible steps to prevent further instability.
The decision to place several senior PTI figures in protective custody has added a political dimension to the evolving situation.
Authorities have not yet released full details about the duration of the custody or the specific security concerns behind the move.
It also remains unclear whether additional political leaders could be placed under similar restrictions.
PTI has a strong political presence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, making any action involving its senior leadership highly significant.
The outcome of the apex committee meeting could shape the government’s next response to the security situation.
Further details are expected after officials complete their consultations and issue formal statements.
The situation remains fluid as political leaders, police and provincial authorities closely monitor developments across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
