Mass Arrests as Police Crackdown on Jamaat-e-Islami Protests in Pakistan

In response to a Jamaat-e-Islami sit-in protest against rising electricity bills and inflation, Pakistani police have detained numerous supporters and imposed Section 144, restricting public gatherings in Islamabad and Punjab.

Several Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) supporters have been arrested across Pakistan as authorities launched a crackdown during a sit-in at D-Chowk in Islamabad, reported ARY News. Numerous JI workers en route to the protest site were detained and transported to undisclosed locations in prisoner vans.

In anticipation of the protest, police and local administrations completely blocked all routes to D-Chowk. The JI had called for the sit-in to highlight issues such as inflation and high electricity bills. ARY News reported that Islamabad police detained 13 JI workers at Express Chowk and erected heavy barriers at the Faizabad interchange to restrict movement between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, causing significant traffic disruptions.

JI spokesperson Qaiser Sharif claimed that 500 party members traveling to Islamabad were arrested, branding the actions as 'the worst example of police terrorism.' In a statement, Sharif accused the police of invading and recording videos inside the homes of JI officials and supporters during the raids.

JI Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman urged his followers through a video message to stage sit-ins wherever they are confronted by authorities. Demonstrating high enthusiasm, he stated that caravans were on their way to D-Chowk for the sit-in, assuring, 'We are peaceful and intend to remain peaceful. If obstructed, we will transform one sit-in into many.'

The Punjab Home Department imposed Section 144 across the province and Islamabad, banning public gatherings and rallies for three days. The restriction, effective from July 26 to July 28, aims to maintain law and order and mitigate terror threats, according to ARY News. The administration is tasked with ensuring compliance, as gatherings of five or more people are now prohibited and violations will face legal consequences.