Advocate Sher Afzal Marwat, a prominent PTI leader, was arrested outside the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday while attempting to join a protest. The arrest was made under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), 1960. Marwat, known for his fiery speeches at PTI events, was catapulted into the spotlight recently and has been actively involved in the party’s activities. Despite the majority of the party’s leadership being in hiding or parting ways, Marwat has been at the forefront and was recently appointed as a senior vice president of the party. He had announced on social media his intention to attend a protest against the Supreme Court’s decision to allow military trials for those accused of violence on May 9.
After joining the protest outside the LHC, Marwat was arrested at GPO Chowk by the police. The arrest was condemned by PTI leaders and various lawyers’ bodies, who criticized the caretaker government for abetting lawlessness. Marwat’s legal team is working for his release, and the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) has also demanded his immediate release.
The arrest has sparked outrage, with PTI leaders and lawyers questioning the basis for Marwat’s arrest and calling for his immediate release. It has raised concerns about the state of law and order in the country.