Swabi rally not meant to foment chaos: Salman Akram

ISLAMABAD: PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja Friday said they will hold a rally in Swabi on Saturday (today) but had no intention to foment chaos or conflict.

Talking to the media outside the Judicial Complex here, he said, “In shape of cases, a sword is hanging over us. We will go to Swabi tomorrow and raise our voice. We have no intention of chaos or conflict. We will continue to fight, these are false cases… people will protest in every union council.”

He expressed the hope that the JUIF chief Fazlur Rehman will not stand against the people and will oppose the attack on the judiciary and fascism adding, “Whoever can support us should support”. He said Fazl had voted for the 26th Constitutional Amendment adding, “This is his politics, while we still oppose the 26th Amendment.” “We opposed the amendment and still do so today; wherever we can cooperate, we will take Maulana’s cooperation,” he maintained.

The PTI leader said their position was clear, they would support democracy and human rights in any case. “We will oppose every attack on the judiciary. Our party stands on principles for the Constitution and judiciary,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, PTI founder Imran Khan’s counsel Advocate Faisal Chaudhry was taken into custody at Gate 5 of Adiala jail. The lawyer, who had just finished meeting PTI founder Imran Khan, was reportedly detained by authorities as he exited the jail premises.

According to the sources, Faisal Chaudhry was released after in custody for over 6 hours by the police.

The sources said that the jail staff complained to the police station at the direction of jail authorities, saying that Faisal Chaudhry publicly humiliated them and used abusive and threatening language against them. The jail sources said that Chaudhry was involved in a verbal altercation with the jail staff a day earlier, which allegedly led to his arrest. Reports suggested that he became agitated over a delay in gaining access to the jail and directed offensive language at the staff stationed at Gate 5.

The situation escalated when Faisal Chaudhry confronted officials on Thursday regarding the delay, allegedly using harsh words against prison personnel. This incident is believed to have been a key factor in his detention. PTI supporters and legal associations have expressed concern over the incident, demanding clarity on the reasons behind Chaudhry’s detention.

In a related development, the Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 across the province, prohibiting all kinds of political gatherings, rallies, and protests on February 8, 2025. The move follows reports of a political party’s planned demonstration, raising concerns over the potential law and order disruptions.

According to an official notification, the Provincial Intelligence Committee recommended the restrictions in the light of recent security threats and the risk of subversive activities. The ban aims to ensure public safety and maintain peace across Punjab.

The order directs authorities, including police and district administrations, to enforce the restrictions effectively. It also mandates the announcement of the decision via newspapers and electronic media for public awareness. Law enforcement agencies have been put on high alert, and strict action is expected against violators of the ban.