Islamabad Police on Friday arrested Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) senior leader and Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan for allegedly violating Section 144 during a protest outside the National Press Club.

According to police, JI workers attempted to gather in the area despite restrictions in place under Section 144. “The gathering was in direct violation of the current Section 144 orders,” officials said, adding that several party workers were also detained during the crackdown.

JI leadership strongly condemned the arrests, calling the move “an attack on democratic norms.” In a statement, party representatives said, “Peaceful protest is a constitutional right of every citizen, and the arrest of our leader is unacceptable.”

The incident has sparked criticism from civil society groups and political commentators, who argue that restrictions on public assembly are being increasingly used to suppress dissent.

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