A Pakistani senator has stated that the government's actions have backfired against the Tehreek-e-Insaf protesters.

Islamabad [Pakistan], October 5: Senator Faisal Vawda criticized the Shehbaz Sharif-led government on Friday, stating that the federal government's efforts to suppress Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters had backfired, according to ARY News.

During an appearance on ARY News, Vawda explained that blocking traffic lights and highways with containers had frustrated residents and unintentionally brought more attention to the protest.

He argued that instead of diminishing PTI's influence, the government's actions have actually strengthened it. Vawda suggested that since Section 144 is already in effect, the police should arrest and punish anyone who enters D-Chowk unlawfully, rather than shutting down highways.

He further mentioned that the situation could remain under control if the government designated a specific area for protests.

However, Vawda also pointed out a problem with the timing of PTI's protests, noting that they often coincide with visits from important foreign leaders, damaging Pakistan’s international reputation, as reported by ARY News.

Vawda analyzed PTI's approach, asserting that it has heightened tensions and affected Pakistan's economic stability. He concluded by noting that PTI’s actions have broader implications for the country's politics and economy, beyond mere criticism of government institutions.

On Friday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf reported that police had arrested former Prime Minister Imran Khan's sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, from D-Chowk in Islamabad during what they described as a peaceful protest.

Calling the government "illegitimate and panicked," Imran Khan’s party accused it of crossing all boundaries of authoritarianism by denying citizens their basic rights to maintain its "unlawful power."

In a post on X, PTI stated, "Former PM Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan has been arrested by the police at D-Chowk for exercising her right of peaceful protest. This is the current state of Pakistan under a regime where citizens have been stripped of their fundamental rights."

The party also highlighted Uzma Khan's arrest on X, stating, "Imran Khan’s sister Uzma Khan was also unlawfully detained at D-Chowk. The panic-stricken government is acting out of desperation."

In response, the Punjab government deployed Rangers personnel in four cities across the province after enforcing Section 144 to ban political gatherings, protests, and rallies.

Additionally, the Punjab government requested the deployment of three companies of Rangers in Lahore, particularly for October 5. Section 144 will be in effect in Rawalpindi, Attock, and Sargodha from October 4 to October 6.