The Punjab police arrested on Friday “fugitive supporters of PTI” ahead of the Lahore rally, having previously indicated plans to apprehend around 4,000 individuals wanted in connection with the May 9 incidents.

Multiple arrests have already been made during a corner meeting in Gulberg, Lahore. Police raided the event, leading to clashes between the police and PTI supporters. When PTI workers responded with stones, the police resorted to aerial firing.

Following such confrontations, more than 20 PTI workers were taken into custody and transported to the police station in a prisoner van. In response to the arrests, agitated protesters blocked the Mini Market road and set tyres on fire.

In a strategic move, sources with the Punjab government said that the government has developed a plan to apprehend approximately 3,700 suspects and proclaimed offenders linked to the May 9 events.

The Lahore police have gathered data on these wanted individuals using Safe City cameras and have established special teams tasked with identifying and arresting them.

More to follow…