Wedding Procession
At least 27 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, disguised as a wedding procession, were arrested in Faisalabad on Sunday, police reported as they intensified their crackdown on party activists.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts to prevent protesters from converging in Islamabad for a large demonstration against the detention of former prime minister Imran Khan and in support of restoring democracy.
PTI convoys from across the country are heading towards the federal capital despite heightened security measures and restrictions. Protesters have employed creative tactics to evade law enforcement, leading to what many describe as a “game of cat-and-mouse” between PTI supporters and authorities.
In one instance, activists reportedly concealed themselves in dense tree clusters in Attock. In another, a group disguised itself as a wedding procession, complete with decorated vehicles and a faux groom.
According to police, the convoy in Faisalabad had dressed one individual as a groom, positioning his flower-adorned car at the front.
Suspicious of their activities, law enforcement stopped the vehicles for inspection, uncovering the ruse and arresting the activists. Authorities claim these measures are essential to maintain public order and prevent unauthorized gatherings.
The protest call, issued by Imran Khan, urges supporters to march on Islamabad on November 24 to demand judicial independence and democratic restoration.
However, the government has strongly opposed the demonstration. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described it as an “insurrection,” accusing the PTI of plotting to destabilize the federal capital.
The Islamabad High Court’s recent ruling prohibits public gatherings that violate newly enacted laws on peaceful assembly, particularly during the state visit of the Belarusian president from November 25 to 27.
This has added to the challenges faced by PTI organizers. Despite the restrictions, Khan has set four demands for concluding the protests, while his wife has reiterated that the date could only be reconsidered if Khan is released from detention.
In response, the federal government has deployed additional security forces in Islamabad, reinforcing efforts to maintain order.
With tensions running high, both sides remain entrenched, as law enforcement seeks to curb unauthorized demonstrations and PTI supporters persist in their plans to reach the capital.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
