ISLAMABAD: The capital police have taken into custody four PTI activists and workers ahead of the political party’s September 27 protest.

A police officer told Dawn the activists were arrested under separate charges in response to a complaint lodged by a sub-inspector.

The charges including sections 324 Murder Attempt, 506 ii Punishment for criminal intimidation: If threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, etc., 148 Rioting, armed with deadly weapon, 149 Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object, 353 Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty and 186 Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions of Pakistan Penal Code.

The police got information that the PTI workers were holding a meeting in connection with the Sep 27 protest at a property dealer’s office in the area of E-16. A police team was constituted for the raid and the arrest.

The police claimed that the workers tortured the police team when they raided the meeting venue, besides, tearing their uniform and taking them hostage. Officer in the police and capital administration said that they have started preparations to counter the PTI’s countrywide protest.

A meeting was held at Central Police Office Islamabad to review the security arrangements and chalk out a plan to pre-empt the protest.

The meeting discussed the relevant matters in detail in presence of all the concerned officers of the police.

As per the previous plan, the capital police were also collecting information related to the protest, including preparations by the political party and activities of its leaders, workers and activists. Vigilance and intelligence were mounted at guest houses, inns, bus terminals and potential contractors who can provide and arrange meals, water, lodging and transports for the protest.

The area police under which jurisdiction were keep an eye on such contractors. Besides, the police intelligence wings/units – Special Branch and same in the Counter Terrorism Department are also vigilant.

They also collecting information of the leaders, activists and workers of the PTI, whose details are available with them. Surveillance is also mounted around the houses and other places of the leaders, activists and workers where they residing or stay to avoid their arrest.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2026