ISLAMABAD: The PTI on Sunday condemned the alleged abduction of its leader and MNA Haji Imtiaz, who was recently kidnapped by unidentified individuals while travelling from Mandi Bahauddin to Peshawar for a party meeting.

In a statement, the PTI Central Media Department called the disappearance deeply alarming, saying it raised serious concerns about the rule of law, civil liberties, and the safety and security of political representatives and workers in the country.

The party said that Haji Imtiaz was travelling to participate in a political activity when he was abducted by unidentified persons, demanding that Haji Imtiaz be recovered immediately and safely and that all those responsible for his abduction must be identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law.

The party emphasised that it was the constitutional and legal responsibility of the state institutions and relevant authorities to protect the life, liberty and property of every citizen, particularly elected representatives.

Party claims lawmaker was ‘kidnapped’ by unidentified individuals while travelling to Peshawar

“If it is established that political or state pressure was involved in the incident, it would constitute an extremely dangerous and wholly unacceptable assault on democratic principles, constitutional rights, and the rule of law. Any attempt to suppress political dissent or silence opposing voices…will only further undermine democratic institutions, deepen political instability, and push the country toward greater polarisation,” it stated.

The PTI said it would continue to raise the matter at every constitutional, legal and democratic forum until Haji Imtiaz was recovered safely. It urged the federal and Punjab governments and all relevant institutions to take immediate notice of the incident, launch effective efforts for Haji Imtiaz’s recovery, and keep the public informed about the facts and progress of the matter.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2026