PTM rally in Karachi: Scores held under anti-terrorism laws
What's the story
Scores of leaders and workers of the Pashtoon Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) have been arrested by the Sindh police under anti-terrorism laws after they organized a rally on the outskirts of Karachi, Pakistan, officials said today. At least 300 members were booked for resorting to "undesirable language against state institutions" at the rally held at Sohrab Goth, said the police. Here's more.
Information
FIR was registered by the state through Sohrab Goth SHO
An FIR was registered by the state through Sohrab Goth Station House Officer Rao Zakir, they said. The PTM, founded in 2014, is a social movement for Pashtun human rights based in the Khyber Pakhtunkhawa and Balochistan. It is currently led by Manzoor Pashteen.
FIR copy
PTM leader created hindrance when asked to show permission-documents: FIR
According to the content of the FIR, the workers of the PTM organized a rally under the directions of Pashteen. "When the complainant SHO rushed to the scene and asked the PTM president of the area, Naurazay Tareen, to show relevant permission documents, he became jittery and created hindrance in official work and chanted slogans against state institutions and police," it said.
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Organizers created atmosphere of serious fear and chaos: Police
Police alleged that the organizers didn't listen to the SHO and spread provocation, "creating an atmosphere of serious fear and chaos". Police invoked various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and 7-ATA (Anti-Terrorism Act) against 250-300 persons, including 16 identified by name.
Missing activist
Police arrested PTM activist Alamzeb Mehsud, claims organization's top leader
Earlier, North Waziristan MNA Mohsin Dawar, who is a top leader of the PTM, in a tweet claimed the arrest and subsequent disappearance of Alamzeb Mehsud. Mehsud is described as an active member of the PTM and a campaigner for missing persons. The lawmaker said the young man's arrest was the latest in a series of incidents between Sindh police and PTM workers.
Amnesty's statement
Either produce Mehsud in court or release him: Amnesty International
Dawar said that the Sindh Police have been harassing the PTM workers and activists following the party's successful Sunday rally. He demanded the immediate release of Mehsud and other PTM workers. The regional chapter of Amnesty International also expressed concern over the disappearance of Alamzeb Mehsud. "His whereabouts must be disclosed immediately. Either produce him in court or release him without delay," it said.