Islamabad police have significantly intensified legal action against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) following recent protests, identifying 70 members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly as wanted in multiple criminal cases. In a separate development, authorities have also registered an anti-terrorism case against around 400 PTI leaders and activists for their alleged involvement in a violent protest outside Adiala Jail.
Police officials confirmed that the cases span several years and involve serious allegations. These include terrorism, attacks on police and Rangers personnel, destruction of public property, and violations of public order laws. Investigations are ongoing, and officials say further arrests are likely as more evidence emerges.
KP Assembly Members Named in Multiple FIRs
According to Islamabad police records, the majority of the wanted KP lawmakers belong to PTI. Former KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur tops the list. He faces 52 FIRs registered between 2022 and November 2024. These cases are spread across 18 different Islamabad police stations and involve charges related to violent protests and terrorism-related offences.
Current KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is also wanted by Islamabad police. He is named in 11 FIRs, including seven cases registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The remaining cases relate to alleged attacks on police officials and law enforcement vehicles.
Other senior lawmakers named in multiple cases include Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi, Minister for Local Government and Higher Education Mina Afridi, and KP Assembly Speaker Babar Swati. Police sources said many of the accused lawmakers have not obtained bail and remain legally vulnerable.
Additional PTI figures include Faisal Turki from Swabi and Aqibullah, the brother of former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser. Officials stated that these cases involve allegations of terrorism, disruption of public order, and violent clashes with security forces.
Adiala Jail Protest Triggers Terrorism Case
Separately, police registered a case at Saddar Baironi police station in Rawalpindi over a protest held outside Adiala Jail. The FIR names 35 individuals and 400 unidentified PTI leaders and workers. Authorities allege that protesters attacked police using petrol bombs, damaged public property, and violated Section 144, which prohibits unlawful assemblies.
Among those named in the FIR are Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan, Noreen Niazi, Qasim Khan, Salman Akram Raja, and Aliya Hamza. Police officials said video footage and digital evidence are being examined to identify additional participants.
Court Grants Physical Remand for Arrested Leaders
In a related development, a court on Wednesday approved a three-day physical remand for 14 PTI leaders arrested overnight in connection with the Adiala Jail protest. The suspects were handed over to police for further interrogation and evidence collection.
Law enforcement officials said the remand will help investigators trace planning, funding, and coordination behind the protest. Police indicated that more arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.
Authorities described the court’s decision as a clear signal of tougher enforcement against violent political protests. Officials emphasized that action is being taken under the law and that no individual is above accountability.
