Agencies
The Islamabad high court yesterday ordered the release of all arrested Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) protesters.
Chief Justice Mohammad Anwar Khan Kasi earlier issued a notice to the government seeking its reply by September 17 on the decision to arrest protesters, Dawn online reported.
On Saturday, a court in Islamabad sent around 100 PTI activists to Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail on a 14-day judicial remand for allegedly attacking state institutions, including the Pakistan Television (PTV) building.
Among those detained was a popular PTI DJ who plays music during Imran Khan’s speeches and attracts large crowds of youths dancing to his beats at the regular rallies.
Of the 100 activists, 91 belong to the PTI while the remaining are from the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT).
Responding to the high court order, acting Inspector General of Police of Islamabad Tahir Alam said those arrested were also involved in an attack on the Parliament House.
Alam said he would request the Islamabad district magistrate to ensure these people were detained for at least one month.
The detainment and arrests of the PTI and PAT workers brought all talks between the government and protesting parties to an end.
The protests led by PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT’s Tahirul Qadri began on August 15 in an attempt to overthrow Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, whom they have accused of rigging the 2013
general election.
Meanwhile thousands have gathered for the last month inside Islamabad’s government zone, sparking frequent clashes with the police.
Several rounds of talks have been held between the government, opposition groups and the two protesting parties to find a solution to the crisis.
Although Khan and Qadri claim the 2013 elections were massively rigged, local and foreign observers said the polls were credible.
Analysts believe the protests have been co-ordinated by the powerful army as a means of re-asserting its dominance over civilian authorities.
