IG Islamabad says over 900 PTI workers arrested in three days

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, announced on Wednesday that 954 protesters had been arrested over the past three days, with 610 of those arrests occurring on Tuesday alone.

The arrests were part of the law enforcement's response to the ongoing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests in the capital.

In a press conference with the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, IGP Rizvi reported the confiscation of more than 200 vehicles and 39 different types of weapons, including Kalashnikovs, 12-bore guns, and other firearms, from the protesters.

He also provided video evidence showing armed protesters advancing with masks on their faces, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Rizvi revealed that out of 71 individuals reported injured during the protests, 52 were law enforcement officers. He further explained that protesters had used large fans to blow tear gas fumes back at security forces, escalating the confrontation.

The IGP assured the public that all roads leading to and from Islamabad were open and that routine activities were continuing without disruption. He stated, "No one will be allowed to challenge the state's authority," emphasizing the government's commitment to maintaining order.

While security measures, including patrols and checkpoints, remain in place, Rizvi highlighted that containers have been removed from key locations.

Additionally, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, another government official, reiterated that outsiders would not be permitted to stay in Islamabad without security clearance.

Rizvi also reported attacks on journalists by protesters, leading authorities to relocate media personnel from the area. Due to concerns over potential fires, fuel pumps were temporarily shut down.

In his remarks, the IGP made it clear that while peaceful protests are a democratic right, any violence, attacks on police officers, or property damage would be classified as terrorism and would not be tolerated.