PTI’s central office sealed, partially demolished in midnight police raid

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) central office located in Islamabad was sealed following an anti-encroachment operation carried out by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in early hours of Friday.

During the raid, a section of the surrounding area of the building was demolished on grounds of ‘illegal encroachments’, with one floor found to be constructed ‘unlawfully’.

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PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar expressed intentions to pursue legal recourse against the sealing of the party’s central office. He stated that the removal of election symbols prior to elections and now the encroachment on PTI offices was “concerning”.

Barrister Gohar pointed out that no official notices were dispatched prior to the authorities sealing the office. He said he was dismayed over the sudden arrival of law enforcement at the office premises.

PTI’s opposition leader in the National Assembly Umar Ayub also denounced the arrest of party workers during the operation. He said that the was a lack of communication from the authorities and questioned the rationale behind conducting the operation during nighttime.

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Ayub stated that he intended to address the matter within the National Assembly and indicated plans to initiate legal action against both the CDA and the police.

Meanwhile, Barrister Gohar stated his party was committed in not engaging in revenge politics. In his statement, the party chairman said that despite facing injustices, the PTI has chosen not to retaliate against anyone.

He detailed PTI’s stance of extending amnesty to all parties involved and advocating for ending hostilities for the betterment of the country and its citizens.

Barrister Gohar also called for an end to what he termed as the “clash of titans,” signifying PTI’s stance of granting a general amnesty to create an environment conducive to dialogue.

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The PTI chairman indicated that the PTI founder would be released within one and a half months, signaling a potential political shift. The barrister  hinted at his party’s willingness to engage in discussions aimed at addressing critical issues pertaining to the country’s economy, constitution, and the rule of law.