PTI leader Salman Akram Raja briefly detained

Pakistan's opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Thursday that its Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja was briefly detained in Islamabad before being released, along with several other party supporters.

Why was Salman Akram Raja detained and released?

Raja said he and other PTI figures, including Latasub Satti and Akhlaq Satti, were held for about four hours. He said the detentions were intended to prevent them from attending the funeral of Ejaz Satti, and criticized what he described as growing restrictions on political and civil rights.

"The only purpose was to prevent us from attending the funeral of the late Ejaz Satti," Raja said after his release.

He thanked friends for their good wishes and said fear of the public had deprived decision makers of "reason and understanding," while human rights had become meaningless.

How is PTI preparing for its September 27 protest?

The brief detention came as PTI steps up mobilization ahead of a nationwide protest planned for September 27. The party has been organizing activities across the country and calling on supporters to participate in the planned demonstration.

Authorities in Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi have been preparing for the PTI protest, including arrangements for additional security personnel, containers and anti-riot equipment, according to local reports.

PTI has not said whether Raja faces any charges, and authorities have not immediately provided details about the reported detention.