PTI leader and former Sindh Governor Imran Ismail has been arrested in Karachi, the party said in a statement on Friday afternoon.

His arrest comes after a series of party leaders were taken into custody under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance following Imran Khan’s arrest.

Police arrested Ismail near Defense Phase VIII.

Imran Ismail’s brother confirmed to Aaj News that the former Sindh governor was arrested from his Karachi residence Defence Phase 8 area.

The PTI has condemned the arrest. “Fascism of this regime is completely unprecedented and shameful!” it said.

The party demanded of the government immediately release its leaders including Ismail.

On Thursday, Khan claimed that several of its leaders were under pressure to quit the party. An attempt the former prime minister believes was aimed at stopping his party from forming the next government.

The law enforcement agencies took action after getting “technical support”, sources said, adding that Kemari police were with them in the operation.