In a surprising turn of events, Arshad Mahmood Manda, a candidate supported by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), was apprehended by the Anti-Corruption Department from Sharqpur in National Assembly Constituency NA-114 Sheikhupura. The arrest occurred as Manda was en route to attend a corner meeting as part of his election campaign.
Anti-corruption authorities revealed that Arshad Mahmood Manda has been taken into custody in connection with a case involving the alleged accumulation of assets exceeding his declared income. The arrest has fueled political tensions in the constituency, with Asghar Mehmood Manda, the brother of the detained candidate, claiming in a video statement that his brother fell victim to political opponents within the constituency.
This incident adds to a series of arrests targeting PTI leaders and workers, emphasizing the heightened political atmosphere surrounding the upcoming elections. Earlier, the police arrested former provincial minister Khyal Castro from Faisalabad, who had arrived at the district Kachhari seeking bail. Castro was wanted in nine cases, including allegations of abuse of power, corruption, and involvement in contract scams.
The Anti-Corruption Department had previously issued summon notices to Khyal Castro, indicating ongoing investigations into various charges against the PTI leader. Castro, who contested and won the 2018 elections on a PTI ticket, subsequently assumed the role of Provincial Minister of Information and Culture in Punjab. However, following the May 9 incident, a case was registered against him, marking a turbulent period for the politician.—APP
