Meanwhile, Pakistan's Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar claimed that many leaders and members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are voluntarily seeking arrest to avoid taking part in the planned protest that was called for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan from prison, ARY News reported on Monday.

Scores of supporters of jailed former PM Imran Khan have been arrested and the capital is under lockdown for a second day. Khan has been detained for more than a year on various charges, but remains hugely popular despite his legal troubles.