Pakistan Arrests Opposition Lawmakers Amid Controversial New Protest Law

Pakistani police arrested several opposition lawmakers from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party late Monday, following a massive rally demanding the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

Led by Barrister Gohar Khan in Khan’s absence, the PTI alleged that the February 8 general elections were rigged by the electoral authority. The arrests occurred near the parliament’s entrance, with reports of masked men entering the building, prompting opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan to denounce the actions as unlawful, especially amid a power outage.

In response to the political tension, Amnesty International condemned the recently passed Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024, which expands government powers to restrict assemblies in Islamabad on vague grounds, such as “disruption of daily activities.” The maximum penalty for participating in an “unlawful assembly” has increased from six months to three years. Critics argue that while the law applies only to the capital, it could set a precedent for provincial governments, creating a chilling effect on civil liberties.

The PTI condemned the arrests as a “midnight raid,” asserting that they violate parliamentary rules. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticized PTI’s rally speeches as “disgusting.” Khan remains detained at Adiala Jail, facing various charges.