Police detain 180 PTI workers under MPO ahead of Feb 8 protest

Around 180 PTI workers have been picked up during overnight raids in Karachi and detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, according to the party.

The PTI alleged that police carried out raids at the residences of PTI activists, taking them into custody ahead of the party’s planned protest on February 8.

It said that those arrested were later placed under 30-day detention through the use of the MPO.

In a statement, PTI said that the arrests were politically motivated and aimed at preventing its upcoming protest.

PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh clarified that the party’s February 8 strike would be peaceful and voluntary. He said no instructions had been given to block roads or force businesses to close, adding that arrests and police pressure would not stop the party’s movement.

On the other hand, the Sindh government strongly denied the allegations, terming PTI’s claims false and misleading.