On Monday, Islamabad Police arrested Raoof Hasan, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Information Secretary, from the party’s Central Secretariat. Hasan is accused of heading a digital media cell allegedly involved in propagating anti-Pakistan sentiment.
After initial reports suggested the arrest of PTI spokesperson and Chairman Gohar Khan, the police clarified that only Hasan was detained based on evidence. According to the police, the PTI digital media center had become a hub for international disinformation and anti-Pakistan propaganda.
Gohar Khan accompanied Hasan to the Police Lines but was informed he was not wanted in any case and was allowed to leave. Hasan remains detained at the Police Lines.
The police stated that those involved in anti-national propaganda were arrested, and evidence from the PTI’s digital media cell was seized. The PTI reported that a computer and other equipment were confiscated from their secretariat.
Footage shared by the party on X showed numerous police vehicles and officials outside the secretariat. Police sources denied the arrest of four women and the seizure of a laptop and documents from the office.
PTI leader Khurrum Sher Zaman condemned the raid, claiming it was ordered by the “Form-47 government.” He reported that staff members were locked in a room awaiting a prison van, and important documents and computers were taken.
Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information, stated that the arrests of PTI leaders indicated the government’s desperation. He accused the federal government of fascism and underhanded tactics, emphasizing that the struggle for true democracy and the rule of law would continue.
In response, PTI held a demonstration in Lahore, demanding the release of its leaders and workers. The protest, led by Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhacher, saw participation from PTI’s lawyers wing and supporters.
Many PTI members have been imprisoned following last year’s May 9 attacks, which occurred after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a corruption case. Imran, a 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician, has been in prison for nearly a year on various charges, including the Toshakhana case, the cipher case, and the un-Islamic marriage case. His wife, Bushra Bibi, is also incarcerated.
Although a court suspended Imran’s sentence in the Toshakhana case and overturned his convictions in the cipher and iddat cases, hopes for his and Bushra’s release in July were dashed when the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested them on new charges related to the sale of state gifts.
