Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar has reportedly been arrested.

The lawmen arrested the ex-minister with Rana Sajid at Wazirabad bypass. They were heading to Islamabad.

The government has launched a crackdown on the PTI members to prevent them from making trouble. Besides the intense swoop, large-scale arrests were too part of the strategy to maintain the state writ.

Moreover, roadblocks and containers were too placed on the way to the federal capital.

Reports said, the PTI protesters set trees near a metro station ablaze and clashed with the police.

The Interior Ministry has issued directives to stop former premier Imran Khan's convoy at Peshawar Morr. 

The lawmen have been asked to bar the convoy from entering the federal capital while the marchers have been asked to go to H9 Ground, sources said.

The insiders said such a step may trigger a violent clash between police and the PTI chief’s supporters 

Islamabad IG Dr Akbar Nasir Khan met lawmen at D-Chowk and paid tribute to them for discharging their duties to maintain order. 

He said they played due role in maintaining the state writ. 

Eight police and 7 Rangers sustained injuries as the violent protester pelted the lawmen with stones