LAHORE/GUJRAT: Two incidents in Punjab on Sunday night signal challenging times ahead for supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Authorities took swift action against a qawwal in Lahore and detained several party supporters in Gujranwala over politically sensitive activities.
Lahore Singer Granted Pre-Arrest Bail
A Lahore sessions court granted pre-arrest bail to qawwal Faraz Amjad Khan on Monday after he was booked for performing a song linked to former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The performance took place at a government-sponsored cultural event in Shalimar Gardens.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Zameerul Hasan, Shalimar Gardens in-charge, alleged that Faraz gave the event a “political colour” by singing “Qaidi No. 804”, referencing Imran Khan. Authorities said the song incited unrest among attendees.
Faraz appeared in court with his lawyer, who argued that the singer had no political affiliations. He performed the song at the request of participants and wanted to cooperate with investigators to prove his innocence.
After hearing preliminary arguments, Additional District and Sessions Judge Shazaib Dar allowed pre-arrest bail until January 13 and directed the police to submit the case record.
Baghbanpura police had registered the FIR against Faraz for performing another song, ‘Nak Da Koka 2 Murshid’, at a non-political programme organised by the Walled City of Lahore Authority on January 3.
The complaint stated that Faraz and his band deliberately performed a politically sensitive song without permission. When officials asked him to stop, public unrest ensued, risking law and order.
Authorities cited multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including 34 (common intention), 109 (abetment), 153-A (promoting enmity), 504 (intentional insult), and 505(1b) (public mischief).
Gujranwala PTI Supporters Detained
In a separate incident, the Gujranwala district administration detained seven PTI supporters after they chanted slogans and displayed posters of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan at a wedding near Rahwali Cantonment.
Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmed issued detention orders under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) for 14 days starting January 3.
The detained individuals—Istikhar Ahmed, Tariq Mehmood, Kareem Bhinder, Zahid, Imran Beig, Zeeshan, and Ayaz—were initially arrested by local police and sent to Gujranwala district jail.
Officials reported that the group had staged slogans and planned to block the main GT road in protest at the wedding ceremony of Hassan Malik. Authorities acted to prevent a potential disruption to public order.
Authorities Signal Zero Tolerance for Political Disruptions
Both incidents highlight increased scrutiny of PTI supporters in Punjab. The authorities appear determined to curb public displays of political support, especially those that could disrupt law and order.
Legal experts suggest these measures aim to prevent politically motivated unrest, while PTI leaders have expressed concern over what they describe as “overreach” against party members and cultural performers.
