Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of PTI leaders and workers in Karachi, calling the move a “shameful act” by the provincial government.
In a video statement, Haleem Adil Sheikh said that around 180 PTI office-bearers and workers were arrested over the past day and later detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law before being sent to jail.
He described the arrests as pure political victimisation, insisting that PTI workers are peaceful, educated citizens and not criminals.
Sheikh alleged that the Sindh government was following the same approach as Punjab, accusing PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of competing with Maryam Nawaz in political repression.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content
He claimed that despite clear evidence, the Sindh government continued to deny the arrests, even though nearly 200 PTI workers were currently in detention.
According to Haleem Adil Sheikh, an additional 20 to 25 PTI workers were arrested since last night, further escalating political tensions in the city.
He announced that PTI has challenged the MPO detentions in the Sindh High Court, expressing hope that the petitions would be heard soon and justice would be served.
PTI denied permission for public meeting during KP CM visit in Karachi
Reaffirming PTI’s stance, he said the party would continue its legal and peaceful public struggle, including planned protests on February 8, and would not retreat under pressure or oppression.
Meanwhile, police officials confirmed that 180 individuals have been detained under the MPO law as a preventive measure to maintain law and order in Karachi ahead of announced protest activities.
According to the police data, the highest number of detainees, 51 individuals, were taken into custody from Karachi’s East Zone.
Follow the Times of Karachi channel on WhatsApp
In the West Zone, 30 people were detained, while 24 individuals were arrested from the Central District. Police further reported that 23 people were detained from Keamari, 22 from Korangi, 10 from the South District, nine from Malir, and 11 from the City District.
Karachi Police stated that all detainees will remain in custody for 30 days under the MPO law. The Sindh Home Department has also issued a formal notification endorsing the detentions, warning that the listed individuals could block roads, stage sit-ins, and disrupt public peace.
The notification directed law enforcement agencies to transfer all detainees to Malir Jail, where they will remain during the detention period.
