Islamabad: Amid outrage over the arrest of Pashtun Tehfuz Movement (PTM) leader Ali Wazir in Pakistan and the increasing demand for immediate release, the Anti-Terrorism Court has sent him to police custody till 30 December. On Saturday, the court sent Wazir and three others into custody for using inflammatory language against government institutions during a meeting in Karachi, according to Dawn.
He was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a case registered against Wazir and several leaders of the PTM after a public meeting organized by the opposition recently. PTM leaders have been accused of involvement in a number of crimes, including criminal conspiracy and making derogatory remarks against state institutions.
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Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Mohammad Ali Gandapur said that Wazir was arrested at the request of Sindh police. His arrest comes at a time when the ruling party of Pakistan is facing increasing opposition. Activists and opposition political parties have condemned the arrest of Wazir, who is also a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly.
Pashtuns are being targeted by Pakistani government and security forces
Members of the Pashtun ethnic minority have long alleged that they are being targeted by the Pakistani government and security forces. On Friday, the Pashtun Tehfuz Movement of America (PTM USA) staged a virtual protest against the arrest of Wazir in Peshawar.
Strong condemnation of arrest
In a statement, PTM USA strongly condemned the arrest and harassment action of the Pashtun leader and asked the Pakistani authorities to immediately release him and withdraw the fake charges against him. The statement said that the way Ali Wazir, the representative of thousands of Pashtuns, was arrested and is an insult not only to Parliament but also to the Pashtun nation.
