A case has been lodged against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, alongside numerous PTI leaders and workers, under grave charges of “rebellion and terrorism.” The case, registered at Islam Pura police station on Sunday, accuses Imran Khan and approximately 200 PTI members of inciting “violence against the state.”
The First Information Report (FIR) names prominent PTI figures such as Hamad Azhar, Salman Akram Raja, Ghulam Mohiuddin, MPA Shahbaz, Musrat Jamshed Cheema, Sheikh Imtiaz, Ali Imtiaz, and Shabbir Gujjar. The FIR alleges that Imran Khan, from prison, directed these individuals to promote violence against the state, resulting in widespread protests and vandalism.
Police report that PTI activists injured a constable, Bilal, during the demonstrations, leading to the arrest of 16 agitators. Despite the enforcement of Section 144, which bans political gatherings in Lahore and four other cities, large numbers of PTI supporters turned out. In response, the government deployed Rangers in Lahore, setting up roadblocks with containers and placing police and paramilitary forces on high alert.
On the recommendation of the Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order, the Punjab government also requested military assistance to maintain order. Additional cases have been filed against PTI supporters across Lahore for violating Section 144, with arrests made at Milat Park and Hanjra Wal police stations.
At Hanjra Wal police station, a case was filed by ASI Aqeel against 20 protesters apprehended the previous day, including Lahore MPA Ahmer Rasheed Bhatti and PTI ticket-holders Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar and Malik Nadeem Bara. Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, was also detained, with his whereabouts unknown as of late that night.
Meanwhile, at Milat Park police station, Sub-Inspector Hafiz Imran filed an FIR against 10 PTI workers for similar violations.
The PTI has vowed to continue protests in Islamabad, where a substantial crowd gathered over the weekend. PTI has decided to maintain demonstrations until receiving direct instructions from Imran Khan to stand down. The decision by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to leave protesters in Islamabad and return to KP House drew criticism from PTI’s political committee, who warned of severe consequences if Gandapur is detained. If Gandapur is arrested, Azam Swati will take over leadership of the protests.
Senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser said, “We’ll keep protesting until Imran Khan tells us to stop.” He added that arresting a sitting chief minister would have disastrous implications. Qaiser also alleged government attempts to arrest PTI legislators and condemned the treatment of Zartaj Gul by authorities.
Reports circulated that CM Gandapur had been detained at KP House, but officials denied this, asserting he remains on bail until October 25. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi affirmed that no one would be allowed into Islamabad and that strict measures were in place to address protests.
Despite restrictions, a convoy from KP, led by Gandapur, entered Islamabad, with some workers gathering near prominent city landmarks. On Friday, PTI supporters also celebrated Imran Khan’s birthday at D-Chowk.
KP government spokesperson Barrister Mohammad Saif later clarified that Gandapur had not been officially arrested, although police and Rangers had surrounded KP House. PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan confirmed that the protests would continue due to the government’s crackdown on supporters.
