Opposition Convoy Faces Police Detentions and Roadblocks
The Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) reported multiple detentions of its workers by Punjab police on Thursday. The arrests occurred as the opposition launched a street mobilisation campaign heading toward Lahore.
The TTAP delegation, led by Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai, left Islamabad early in the day. The group aimed to hold political and social gatherings in Lahore to highlight governance issues. According to TTAP, dozens of Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) workers, including Senior Vice President Syed Hussain Kazmi and the son of Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, were detained during the march.
Police initially denied detaining Abbas’s son, claiming he was only stopped for questioning after a PTI vehicle reportedly collided with a police constable. In addition, vehicles of PTI lawmakers Malik Fahad, Raja Tanvir, and Sardar Muhammad Ali were reportedly vandalised near Kharian. Earlier, unidentified individuals damaged convoy vehicles in Gujrat. Several workers were also detained at Gujar Khan in Rawalpindi district.
Allegations of Raids and Excessive Force
The opposition accused authorities of conducting late-night raids on the homes of PTI workers in Lahore. In one such raid in Hanjarwal, PTI worker Rashid Yousuf Jan reportedly lost his life. The PTI condemned the actions as “oppressive and unjust” and demanded the immediate release of all detainees.
Senator Raja Nasir Abbas addressed supporters in Jhelum while the convoy passed through. He accused the authorities of stealing the people’s mandate in the 2024 elections. Abbas said the opposition is taking to the streets to protest economic exploitation, political injustice, and oppression. He emphasised that the movement represents the rights of the poor, farmers, labourers, and all marginalized citizens.
TTAP Emphasises Peaceful Mobilisation
Mahmood Khan Achakzai reiterated that the TTAP march is peaceful and not intended to provoke violence. The delegation continued its journey along GT Road, reaching Gujranwala by 5:20 pm. Achakzai urged citizens to support the opposition ahead of nationwide protests planned for February 8, marking the second anniversary of the 2024 general elections.
He called on the public to close shops, suspend transport, and participate in demonstrations to protest government policies. Despite detentions and disruptions, the opposition convoy remains committed to its mobilisation, signalling determination to continue its campaign for political accountability and citizens’ rights.
