The Rawalpindi administration has issued a 30-day detention order for Qasim Zaman, cousin of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance following his arrest earlier on Tuesday.
Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir authorized the detention based on recommendations from the Rawalpindi City Police Officer and the District Intelligence Committee. Qasim Zaman was apprehended by police in the Gorakhpur area along Adiala Road and initially taken to the Adiala police post before being transferred to Saddar Beruni Police Station.
The MPO order identifies Qasim as an active political party worker and alleges he was planning an unlawful gathering that could threaten public order. This detention occurs amid heightened tensions as the PTI has launched a long march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Islamabad, demanding among other things, access to Imran Khan and his release from custody.
On September 22, Qasim had attempted to visit Imran Khan at Adiala Jail but was denied access despite the Islamabad High Court permitting the PTI leader to meet family members, lawyers, and associates twice weekly. Qasim was also among PTI leaders and family members detained by Rawalpindi police in April 2025.
Authorities have intensified security and preventive measures in Rawalpindi and Islamabad ahead of the PTI protest. Police have detained numerous party leaders and workers under the MPO as part of efforts to manage the demonstrations and maintain public order.
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