Tue Sep 10 00:57:00 UTC 2024: ## PTI Vows to Continue Anti-Government Movement After Leaders’ Arrest

**PESHAWAR:** The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has vowed to continue its anti-government movement despite the arrest of several of its leaders in a late-night police crackdown at Parliament House.

Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Tuesday, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja said the party would not be silenced. “The people have stood up and we will not back down,” he declared. The press conference, held after a core committee meeting of the former ruling party, was also attended by prominent leaders including Omar Ayub Khan, Asad Qaiser, Azam Swati, and Raja himself.

The PTI condemned the arrests, calling them a suppression of the voice of the Pakistani people and accusing the government of manipulating the political process. The party defended the speeches made by its leaders at the Islamabad rally, stating that the nature of political gatherings requires a certain level of fervor.

The press conference saw journalists protesting over remarks made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur against the press during the Islamabad rally. While Omar Ayub Khan promised an apology, Gandapur was absent, claiming he was attending an assembly session.

Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan accused the coalition government of using tactics to stifle the PTI’s movement, alleging false charges and the unjust imprisonment of its leaders. He described the September 9th crackdown as a “black day”.

Asad Qaiser, former National Assembly speaker, announced the PTI’s intention to fight for its rights on the streets and in the courts. He demanded the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and other party members, and called for fresh elections, deeming the current government illegitimate. He further demanded contempt of court cases against the Islamabad police chief and commissioner for obstructing the rally.

The PTI core committee has decided to launch nationwide protests beginning on Friday. The party’s lawmakers will also raise the issue of the arrests in the assembly.

Meanwhile, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, arrested in the crackdown, was released by the Islamabad police after the case against him was discharged. The PTI leaders have been accused of violating regulations under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024, and attacking police officers during the Islamabad rally.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq condemned the arrest of lawmakers from Parliament House, reprimanded the Islamabad police chief and demanded their immediate release. He also ordered the release of CCTV footage and signaled potential legal action against those involved in the arrests.

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