PTI Azad Kashmir Leader Khawaja Farooq Ahmed Arrested Amid Protest

Rawalpindi-(Mudassar Iqbal)-Khawaja Farooq Ahmed, the parliamentary leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Azad Kashmir and leader of the opposition Azad Kashmir Assembly, was taken into custody by Rawalpindi police while en route to participate in the Liaquat Bagh Jalsa. Central leader of PTI Azad Kashmir Sohail and other workers were also arrested.

The arrests come as Section 144 has been enforced in Rawalpindi in anticipation of protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Containers have been placed outside Liaquat Bagh, sealing off the entrance with barriers and barbed wires. Additional containers block routes from Murree Road to Liaquat Bagh, causing significant disruptions.

Disruptions and Restrictions

– Mobile Services Suspended: Partial suspension of mobile services in Rawalpindi reported.
– Metro Bus Service Halted: Rawalpindi Saddar Station to IJP Station route shut, while IJP Station to Pak Secretariat in Islamabad remains operational.
– Murree Road Obstruction: Containers placed at Faizabad, causing difficulties for employees and businesses.
– Route Closures: Ghora Gali in Murree blocked with a truck, Murree motorway closed to general traffic.

Consequences of Route Closures

Cargo vehicles are stranded, risking spoilage of goods worth millions. Residents are trapped in Murree due to the closure of routes from Murree to Islamabad, with traffic police unable to provide alternative routes.