Police in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) arrested former Prime Minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi, the regional president of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on Sunday. The arrest took place in Samahni, where Niazi had arrived to speak at a PTI rally. Officials stated that he was detained under Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960, following an order from the deputy commissioner.
The case against Niazi relates to the violent protests of May 9, 2023, when PTI supporters allegedly attacked military and government properties across Pakistan. The riots erupted after PTI founder Imran Khan was arrested from the Islamabad High Court in a corruption case. Hundreds of cases were registered, with many PTI leaders and workers still facing legal consequences.
DIG Mirpur Liaquat Chaudhry confirmed the arrest, stating that it was carried out lawfully. Niazi’s detention adds to the growing list of PTI leaders held over the May 9 incidents. While some have been released on bail, others remain imprisoned, reflecting the ongoing crackdown on PTI since last year’s unrest.
Imran Khan, deposed as prime minister in April 2022, has been in jail since August 2023 on multiple charges, including corruption and terrorism. His arrest last year triggered nationwide protests, leading to a severe government response. Niazi’s arrest underscores the continuing legal and political challenges faced by PTI leadership.