ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police began arresting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers on way to Imran Khan’s Bani Gala residence on Sunday.
PTI leaders Ali Amin Gandapur and Chaudhry Sarwar were stopped by police from entering Bani Gala and workers present in their entourage were detained. At least 20 to 25 party workers were detained at Simly Dam Road. The workers’ vehicles were also transferred to police stations.
Police said it seized a large cache of weapons from Ali Amin’s car. Among the objects recovered was AK-47, repeaters, bullets and a liquor bottle. Bullet-proof jackets belonging to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police were also found in his car.
PTI leader Shireen Mazari was also prevented from reaching Bani Gala by police.
There is reportedly a heavy presence of police on all routes leading to Bani Gala. Police also carried out shelling at Pakistan Chowk and Bani Gala.
Meanwhile, PTI chief Imran Khan is chairing a meeting at his residence to discuss arrests of party workers and what next steps the party should take. Several PTI leaders including Aleem Khan, Imran Ismail, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Shireen Mazari, Naeem-ul-Haq, Faisal Vawda are expected to attend the meeting.