Dera Ghazi Khan, Nov 26 (IANS): The police detained Saraiki poet, broadcaster and teacher Mehboob Tabish allegedly for criticising Chief Minister Usman Buzdar during the launch of the book of another Saraiki poet Iqbal Sokri. However, he was released after protest.

As per details, Tabish was speaking during the launch of the collected poems of Iqbal Sokri at Taunsa Sharif, Pakistani media reported.

During his speech, he criticised Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and 'the Legharis, Mazaris' and feudalism, terming them the reason for plight and deprivation of the Saraiki region.

While the speech of Tabish was stil under way, a man went to the stage and pushed him after which the police arrested Tabish and took him to the police station.

Tabish denied that he was arrested on the directions of the police officers. However, he was released after his friends, Saraiki activists and lawyers reached there and raised slogans against police, demanding his immediate release.