Recent incidents in Punjab indicate growing pressure on supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), with authorities taking action against expressions linked to the jailed party founder Imran Khan. Developments in Lahore and Gujranwala on Sunday night highlighted the tightening space for political symbolism in public and private gatherings.
Read More: Transport Shut Across Lahore and Islamabad Amid Religious Rally
In Lahore, a sessions court granted pre-arrest bail to qawwal Faraz Amjad Khan after he was booked for performing a song associated with Imran Khan at a government-sponsored cultural event. The complainant alleged that the performance gave a “political colour” to a programme organised by the Walled City of Lahore Authority, which was meant to be non-political.
During court proceedings, the singer’s counsel argued that Faraz had no political affiliation and had merely responded to audience requests. The judge granted interim bail until January 13 and sought the police record, allowing the artist to join the investigation and present his defence.
Police registered a case under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including provisions related to promoting enmity, public mischief, and breach of peace. According to the FIR, authorities asked the qawwal to stop singing, after which the situation allegedly created unrest and posed risks to law and order.
In a separate incident, the Gujranwala district administration detained seven PTI supporters after they raised slogans and displayed posters of Imran Khan during a wedding ceremony near Rahwali Cantonment. The detainees were held under the Maintenance of Public Order for 14 days, following reports from local police.
Read More: PTI protesters block roads in twin cities
Officials claimed the group intended to stage a protest by blocking the GT Road in support of the former prime minister. The detained individuals were later transferred to the district jail, underscoring the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to political activity deemed disruptive.