Cases have been filed against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on terrorism charges, accusing them of involvement in violent protests and vandalism in Rawalpindi, as reported by The News on Monday.
The New Town police station registered First Information Reports (FIRs) against the PTI leaders under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The cases were lodged at four police stations—City, Waris Khan, New Town, and RA Bazaar—against over 100 PTI leaders and supporters, including Amir Mughal, Simabiah Tahir, MPA Asad Abbas, and Ijaz Khan.
Read more: PTI Protest Sparks Tensions Amid Heavy Crackdown by Police
According to a police officer involved in the investigation, the charges include conspiracy to commit vandalism, interference in government operations, rioting, and attacking a government vehicle with a petrol bomb. The first FIR specifically names former prime minister Imran Khan, CM Gandapur, and 45 other leaders and activists. The FIR states that the participants caused unrest by burning tires, obstructing public access, and creating difficulties for citizens.
Five suspects, identified as Khalil, Imran, Sadaqat, Yaseen, and Tahir, were arrested at the scene, with a petrol bomb found in Tahir’s possession. The charges against them include terrorism, attempted murder, vandalism, damaging public and state property, and interfering with government operations.
The FIR further claims that PTI leaders and activists chanted anti-government slogans, threw stones at the police, and used iron rods in the attacks. Several police vehicles, including one belonging to SP Rawal, were damaged, and a police officer sustained a severe eye injury from shattered glass. The accused are also alleged to have seized government firearms and fired them into the air, causing panic. Police confirmed that cases have been registered, and raids are ongoing to apprehend more suspects.
Read more: Punjab Imposes Section 144 in Rawalpindi as PTI Gears Up for Protest
In a related incident, federal police in the capital arrested former Jamaat-e-Islami senator Mushtaq Ahmed, along with his wife and ten other activists, for violating Section 144 during a protest against Israel on Sunday.