The arrest of Rehana Dar, a prominent leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the mother of Usman Dar, was confirmed by her son on Thursday in Sialkot. This development unfolded against the backdrop of PTI’s call for protest rallies to commemorate the May 9 mayhem anniversary.
Usman Dar asserted that his mother’s detention, along with other female PTI supporters, was executed purportedly under the directives of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. He emphasized that his mother had advocated for a protest slated for May 9.
“My mother gave a protest call for May 9,” Usman said, adding that the police had surrounded Jinnah House in Sialkot since morning.
The situation escalated as the police had surrounded Jinnah House in Sialkot since the early hours of the day, indicating a premeditated crackdown on the PTI members.
Contrary to reports, the police have refuted claims of Rehana’s arrest. DPO Hassan Iqbal stated, “Rehana Dar and Ruba Dar have not been arrested. Both women leaders are currently at their residence.”
This isn’t the first instance of the Dar family accusing the defense minister. In December of the previous year, Rehana asserted that the Punjab police, allegedly under Asif’s direction, subjected her to torture and mistreatment at her Sialkot home.
She claimed, “They [the police] conducted a raid on my residence upon Khawaja Asif’s instructions. They forcibly tore my clothing and mistreated me, all with the intent to prevent my participation in the [general] elections on February 8.”
The arrest of a senior PTI figure like Rehana Dar underscores the ongoing political tensions within Pakistan, particularly between the ruling party and opposition factions. It highlights the contentious nature of political activism in the country and the challenges faced by those advocating for change or expressing dissenting opinions.
As the situation unfolds, it will likely draw scrutiny from both domestic and international observers, who may view it as a test of Pakistan’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and respecting human rights. The treatment of Rehana Dar and other detained PTI supporters will undoubtedly be closely monitored, with implications for the country’s political landscape and its standing on the global stage.
