Several PTI workers including Meher Bano Qureshi arrested from Multan rally

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Meher Bano Qureshi was arrested from the Multan rally, which was held to mark 'Black Day' on the first anniversary of the 2024 elections, that PTI described as rigged polls.

According to reports, Meher Bano was arrested alongside three other PTI leaders and numerous party workers while leading a peaceful rally.

Divisional Headquarter Multan confirmed her arrest, claiming the she was apprehended over violation of section 144 that had been imposed across the province in Friday evening. 

PTI worker Qasim Hashmi stated that, along with Meher Bano Qureshi, his father Zahid Bahar Hashmi and Dilair Mahar were also detained by the police as they led a protest against the allegedly rigged February 8 elections.

Read: Section 144 imposed across Punjab ahead of PTI's Feb 8 protest

He said that police also detained seceral other party workers. 

Videos circulated on social media showcasing Meher Bano in the police van with other party leaders, saying that “They are not taking us to police stations, all police stations have passed, we don't know where we are being taken to.” 

After being denied permission to hold a public gathering at Lahore's Minar-e-Pakistan, the party opted to stage a power show in KP's Swabi instead.

A 40fts tall and 80fts extensive stage was created at Swabi Jalsagah, from where Chief Minister KP Ali Amin Gandapur and other party leaders will address the public gathering. 

The media reports stated that at least 1,400 cops were deployed to the security of Jalsagah. 

Read: CM Gandapur donates Rs5 million for PTI jalsa on Feb 8

PTI leader Sheikh Waqas directed workers from three PTI constituencies in Islamabad to reach Swabi to attend Jalsa. 

Notably, PTI had given a plan of action for protests in addition to observing Black Day and holding rallies on February 8, while the Punjab government had imposed Section 144 in the province yesterday, banning rallies, processions and gatherings.