As Pakistan’s anti-government protests in Islamabad entered their 30th day on Friday, the headlines were dominated by the arrest of DJ Butt, the official DJ for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rallies—and a personal friend of PTI leader Imran Khan.
Pakistan’s Express Tribune newspaper reported that Butt was arrested just after midnight on Thursday on charges of “inciting violence in the city of Islamabad.”
The PTI immediately took to Twitter to condemn the decision, saying it reflected the “monarchical mindset of the Sharifs,” in reference to prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his brother, Shahbaz, who is chief minister of Punjab province.
Arrest & victimization of DJ Butt shows the monarchical mindset of Sharifs. He is a DJ/sound system provider who provides services to anyone
— PTI (@PTIofficial) September 12, 2014
The arrest also trended nationwide in Pakistan, with many taking to social media to offer their support.
Respect for DJButt- he can keep the crowd charged for 12hours straight. Knows how to motivate the tigers #FreeDJButt #AzadiSquare
— Hassan Niazi (@HniaziISF) September 12, 2014
Man behind the system! One a cabinet minister advised to have arrested. Shaking status quo with his discs #FreeDJButt pic.twitter.com/dIMwZErQiQ
— Danish Khan (@KhanDanish_) September 12, 2014
You know the Pakistani govt has hit an all new level of insane when they feel threatened by a music services provider #FreeDJButt
— Haleema Khan (@haleemak_) September 12, 2014
The government did not address DJ Butt’s arrest publicly so the timetable of his release is unknown. However, it’s safe to say that the PTI’s rallies will be far less lively without their man in the booth.
Imran Khan’s protests now lack a soundtrack after Pakistan police arrested his DJ
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