Pakistani police arrested hundreds of activists from the PTI, Pakistan’s Justice Movement, Imran Khan’s party overnight from Monday to Tuesday. The former Prime Minister called on his supporters to demonstrate en masse on Wednesday.
With our correspondent in Islamabad, Sonia Ghezali
Imran Khan has planned to lead a long march on Wednesday between the city of Peshawar in the northwest of the country and the capital Islamabad. He urges the government to convene early legislative elections without waiting.
It was on the sidelines of the organization of this giant demonstration that between 200 and 400 Pakistani Tehreek-e-Insaf activists were arrested in the province of Punjab overnight from Monday to Tuesday.
Members of the former government led by Imran Khan denounce searches which allegedly took place without a warrant. Police sources told AFP on condition of anonymity that the PTI activists were arrested for disturbing public order.
These arrests took place two days before the march announced as “giant” by Imran Khan. Tens of thousands of people are expected in the capital Islamabad by tonight. Several roads have been closed since yesterday in anticipation of the arrival of the procession.
Since the former Prime Minister was ousted from power on April 10 last by a motion of censure, he regularly mobilizes his troops during huge rallies to urge the government to hold early legislative elections as the country continues to sink into economic crisis.