ISLAMABAD: Former lawmaker Ali Wazir and human rights activist Imaan Hazir-Mazari have been arrested in Islamabad, following their participation in a PTM protest within the federal capital. The Tarnol police in Islamabad carried out raids at their residences in the early hours of the morning.
Shireen Mazari, Imaan’s mother, shared on X that policewomen and individuals in civilian attire conducted a raid at their Islamabad home at around 4 am. They detained Imaan Mazari, who was still in her nightclothes. The police also confiscated her laptop, other electronic devices, and the CCTV recording from the premises.
During the PTM protest, Imaan Mazari delivered passionate speeches. Nonetheless, authorities did not provide an explanation for her arrest, and Shireen mentioned that no arrest warrant was shown.
In an official statement, the Islamabad police stated that Ali Wazir was apprehended for obstructing officials in the execution of their duties.
On August 18, the PTM organized a long march toward Islamabad. The primary objective of the long march was to protest against the resurgence of terrorism in the former tribal regions. Additionally, the participants aimed to advocate for the release of the detained PTM members. Following talks with authorities, the rally’s venue moved from Islamabad to Tarnol on the capital’s outskirts. As supporters attempted to reach the new rally venue, clashes between them and the police ensued.
PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen claimed that around 1,000 individuals were arrested in their efforts to reach Islamabad.
