ISLAMABAD: A case has been registered against several senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for their alleged involvement in acts of vandalism and blocking GT Road during a recent protest in Islamabad.
The case, filed at the Tarnol police station, lists prominent PTI figures, including party founder Imran Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, opposition leader Omar Ayub, Azam Swati, Amir Mughal, Barrister Saif, and 350 unidentified activists.
The charges against them are serious, encompassing terrorism, attempted murder, and other major offenses.
According to the first information report (FIR), the suspects are accused of opening fire on police officers, holding them hostage, and detaining them during the protest. Ali Amin Gandapur is alleged to have misused government resources, while Azam Swati is accused of financially supporting the demonstrators.
Investigations revealed that some of the arrested individuals claimed they were instructed by Imran Khan to gather at D-Chowk in Islamabad. The FIR also names Imran Khan for allegedly inciting PTI workers to commit acts of violence against the state. Law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to apprehend the remaining accused as the investigation continues.
On Saturday, protests by PTI paralyzed daily life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for a second consecutive day, severely disrupting traffic and communication services. Major highways were blocked, and mobile networks were suspended. Containers were placed at key entry and exit points of the cities, including Faizabad, D-Chowk, and 26 No Chungi, to control the flow of protesters.
Later that evening, clashes erupted between police and PTI supporters in areas such as Jinnah Avenue and Blue Area, where protesters pelted police with stones. In response, police used tear gas and rubber bullets. Protesters also set fires at various points along Jinnah Avenue, further escalating the tensions.
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