PTI leader Shahbaz Gill was released Monday morning after being arrested by police a day prior for violating election laws.

Under the Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) code of conduct during the by-polls in Punjab A day earlier, the Punjab police had arrested PTI leader Shahbaz Gill in Muzaffargarh for allegedly visiting different polling stations during the by-election in the city with his security guards, who were dressed as FC personnel. However, Gill denied allegations of keeping any security guards dressed in FC officials' uniforms.

He claimed that he had been engaged for three hours and was suddenly arrested without a warrant.In the wee hours of Monday, police presented Gill before the district magistrate court of the Tehseel Jataoi area, where the court issued orders to release him. We strongly condemn Shahbaz Gill's illegal arrest for the sole purpose of rigging elections and instilling fear in [people].PTI Chairman Imran Khan has written on Twitter, taking notice of the incident. "These fascist tactics will not work [and] our [people] will not be deterred from exercising their right to vote."

"Handlers of imported governments should realise the damage they are doing to our nation," he added. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that private security companies recruit retired personnel, adding that directions have been issued to authorities concerned that all such private companies should be banned. "I have ordered a high-level inquiry in this regard," he had said, addressing a press conference earlier.

Credit:
Independent News Pakistan-INP