In a major political development, Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi, former Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and current President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) AJK chapter, has been arrested by the police ahead of a scheduled political rally in Samahni, District Bhimber. His arrest has sparked widespread political reactions, raising questions about freedom of assembly and expression in the region.

According to initial reports, Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi was taken into custody before he could address a planned rally in Samahni, where PTI workers and supporters had gathered in anticipation of his speech. The rally was part of a two-day political tour undertaken by Niazi to mobilize party supporters and address pressing political issues in the region.

DIG Liaqat Chaudhry confirmed that the arrest was made under Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. The action was carried out under the direct orders of the Deputy Commissioner, reportedly as a pre-emptive measure to avoid any disturbance to public peace and order. Authorities have yet to provide detailed justification for invoking the MPO against a political figure of Niazi’s stature.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said that police surrounded the area before the event began and escorted Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi away in a government vehicle. The arrest took place in a swift and coordinated manner, surprising many party workers who had gathered at the rally site. Several PTI supporters attempted to resist but were outnumbered by the security forces.

Niazi’s visit to Bhimber was part of a broader PTI political campaign aimed at reinvigorating the party’s base in Azad Kashmir following the recent wave of arrests, political pressure, and crackdowns on opposition voices across the country. His tour included scheduled stops in various constituencies where he was expected to meet local leaders, address public gatherings, and reaffirm PTI’s commitment to democratic governance and accountability.

It is important to recall that Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi served as the 13th Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir from August 4, 2021, to April 14, 2022. His tenure was marked by internal political tensions within the PTI ranks and challenges surrounding development, governance, and Kashmir’s political future. He was appointed after a surprise nomination by PTI chairman Imran Khan, but his term ended prematurely due to political reshuffling and internal discord.

Following his arrest, the PTI AJK leadership issued a strong condemnation, terming the move as an attack on democratic rights and an attempt to silence political dissent. A spokesperson for PTI AJK stated, “This is nothing but political victimization. The arrest of our president is an attempt to intimidate our workers and derail our peaceful democratic activities. We demand his immediate release and restoration of democratic freedoms.”

On social media, the arrest sparked a flurry of reactions. Hashtags such as #FreeAbdulQayyumNiazi and #StopPoliticalVictimization began trending, with PTI activists, civil society members, and political commentators questioning the legitimacy of using MPO laws against political leaders. Many argued that the frequent misuse of preventive laws is setting a dangerous precedent and undermining the democratic framework in Azad Kashmir.

Legal experts have also weighed in, noting that Section 16 of the MPO is often invoked in vague and arbitrary terms, allowing administrative officials wide latitude in detaining individuals without trial. “The use of MPO against opposition leaders and peaceful demonstrators is not only legally questionable but also deeply troubling from a constitutional standpoint,” said one senior lawyer based in Muzaffarabad.

Despite the arrest, PTI workers in Bhimber remained undeterred. Several local leaders vowed to continue their movement and hold peaceful demonstrations against what they termed as the “oppressive tactics” of the current administration. Reports from the ground indicate that protests may expand to other parts of AJK in the coming days, with calls for nationwide solidarity gaining momentum.

This is not the first time political leaders in Azad Kashmir have been detained or harassed during public campaigns. Over the past year, there has been a noticeable uptick in restrictions on political gatherings, especially for opposition parties, reflecting a broader trend of shrinking civic space in the region.

The arrest of Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi is being closely watched by regional analysts, who say it could escalate tensions in an already fragile political environment. The timing is also noteworthy, coming at a moment when Pakistan is facing internal political instability, economic challenges, and mounting criticism over human rights issues.

The government of Azad Kashmir has yet to issue an official statement justifying the arrest in greater detail. Meanwhile, the central leadership of PTI, including top figures from Islamabad, are expected to raise the issue in upcoming press conferences and legal forums.

In conclusion, the arrest of a former prime minister and a sitting party president under preventive laws raises serious questions about democratic space, political tolerance, and the future of civil liberties in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Whether this move serves to deter opposition or ignites a larger political pushback remains to be seen.