Police raided on Sunday the residence of Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Omar Ayub in Islamabad following the issuance of arrest warrants by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Sargodha.
The warrants come amid a broader crackdown on PTI leaders following their ouster from power in April 2022.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, in a statement on X, confirmed the issuance of the warrants and criticised the authorities for their "desperate" attempts to apprehend him.
"Bailable arrest warrants issued for me by ATC Sargodha, but Mianwali Police and Islamabad Police teams went to my Islamabad house to arrest me a few minutes ago," Ayub stated.
He further alleged that both the federal and Punjab governments, along with various agencies, were intent on arresting him, reflecting what he described as a lack of rule of law in Pakistan.
"The form 47 Federal Government, Punjab Government, and agencies must be very desperate to arrest the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly," he added.
Since their removal from office, PTI leaders have been embroiled in numerous legal battles, particularly following the May 9 incidents when party workers attacked state installations in response to Imran Khan's arrest in a graft case.
This unrest led to the detention of several PTI leaders and workers, while others distanced themselves from the party.
Despite PTI's claims of baseless charges and political victimization, the government has consistently denied any involvement in targeting PTI leaders.
Omar slams Punjab IGP
Omar Ayub, speaking outside Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail on July 4, also accused IG Punjab and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi of obstructing his rights. "IG Punjab tout and Mohsin Naqvi is the biggest dacoit," he asserted, questioning why his court-approved meeting with PTI's founding chairman was denied.
Accompanied by Shibli Faraz, Rauf Hasan, Shandana Gulzar, and Shehryar Afridi, Ayub addressed the media, suggesting that the authorities aim to exert psychological pressure on PTI members. "They think they will put us under psychological pressure," he said, promising a strong response to any further restrictions on PTI activities.
Resignation rejected
Ayub had recently resigned as PTI's Secretary General, citing his role as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and suggesting that the position be assigned to another leader.
However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, following instructions from Imran Khan, rejected his resignation, reaffirming Ayub's position within the party.
The unfolding situation continues to highlight the escalating political tension and legal battles that mark Pakistan's current political landscape.
