A man from Vehari who works as a masseur in Rawalpindi was wrongfully detained by police over the arson attacks that took place in the wake of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan on May 9, his colleagues told the police in a written affidavit.

The man, who is named Wazir-e-Azam, was arrested from within the limits of the Liaquat Road police station and is currently in custody at the City police station. He was reportedly arrested on May 10, and booked in a May 9 riot case.

According to the affidavit, submitted to the deputy commissioner and the City police station by masseurs from Muhammad Imran, Khizar Abbas and Muhammad Bashir, they hail from Vehari and have been working as masseurs at local hotels.

Wazir-e-Azam had come to the city from his hometown Vehari a few months to join their group of masseurs.

The affidavit said that the trio had been earning their livelihood by working as masseurs in Rawalpindi for a couple of years, while Wazir-e-Azam joined them a few months ago. They worked at hotels and parks situated on Liaquat Road, including Liaquat Bagh, Children's Park, Committee Chowk and local hotels.

The affidavit added that the same could be confirmed from the owners and managers of the local hotels of Liaquat Road.

The group members added that Wazir-e-Azam was innocent and had no link to the riots and protests. They added that if any visual evidence were found of Wazir’s involvement in the protest, they would withdraw the affidavit.

The case should be dismissed after a complete inquiry, the group of masseurs urged in their plea to the police.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2023.