PTI vows to sue govt for detaining supporters

— The Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI) has announced to take legal action against the government for detaining its vocal online activists under a controversial cybercrime law, a spokesman said on Monday.

At least 23 supporters of the (PTI) have been detained and threatened with action under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act, Fawad Hussain Chauhdry, a spokesman for the party, said.

It is the first time the new law has been used in a broad crackdown against political opposition.

Two have been charged under the law, including one for sharing a satirical picture of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and are on bail pending further investigation.

“One of our supporters was abducted from Quetta and brought to Islamabad in an armoured car. People are being harassed and it is spreading fear,” the spokesman said. He added the party would sue the government for intimidation and harassment in the Islamabad High Court. —