Over 180 workers picked up in night-long sweeps, claims PTI

2026-02-02 - 04:56

• Slams Sindh govt for ‘detaining them under MPO’ • Sharjeel denies mass arrest or issuing blanket detention orders • Says law enforcement agencies acting strictly within the law KARACHI: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday accused the provincial authorities of arresting nearly 180 activists during nightlong raids in Karachi and other parts of Sindh and detaining them under the controversial Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. However, the provincial government rejected the allegation and blamed the opposition party for spreading false narratives to build momentum for Feb 8 protest. The PTI alleged that the Sindh police carried out pre-dawn raids on the houses of its workers and leaders and picked up around 180 of them. Later in the evening, the central information department of the PTI issued a statement, claiming that the Sindh government had placed the held activists under one-month detention under the MPO. The party described the move as “political victimisation” and alleged that the arrests were carried out across the province to stop its planned protest on Feb 8. It said the use of MPO against its workers showed that the PPP-led Sindh government was pursuing a “non-democratic agenda” and suppressing political dissent. The party said that detaining “peaceful political workers” was a clear violation of the Constitution, the law, and basic human rights. The statement demanded that the Sindh government withdraw what it called a “black decision” and immediately release all detained PTI workers. Meanwhile, in a statement PTI-Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh clarified that their Feb 8 strike “is completely voluntary and peaceful, and no call has been given for blocking roads or forced closure”. He said PTI’s movement cannot be stopped by arrests and police crackdown. Sharjeel denies charges However, Sindh government categorically rejected PTI’s claims, calling them “completely false and misleading”. Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon, who also holds the portfolio of information, said no mass arrests or detentions under MPO had taken place. He told Dawn the PTI statement was based on incorrect information and aimed at creating unnecessary political hype. “Where’s the list of those arrested. It’s a blatant lie. The PTI is spreading false narratives to build momentum and gain political sympathy for its announced protest planned for February 8,” he said, adding: “The provincial government has not issued any blanket detention orders against PTI leaders or workers and that law enforcement agencies are acting strictly within the law.” The Sindh government, he said, believes in democratic values and the right to peaceful protest. Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2026