According to the FIR, Imran Khan allegedly incited violence from jail, prompting protests and vandalism that resulted in injuries to law enforcement personnel
By our correspondent
LAHORE: A case has been filed against former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairperson Imran Khan, along with several party leaders and members, under serious charges of “rebellion and terrorism.” The case was registered at the Islam Pura police station, accusing Imran and about 200 others of inciting “violence against the state.” Among those named in the FIR are notable PTI lawmakers such as Hamad Azhar, Salman Akram Raja, and MPA Shahbaz.
According to the FIR, Imran Khan allegedly incited violence from jail, prompting protests and vandalism that resulted in injuries to law enforcement personnel. The police reported that a constable was injured during the demonstrations, and 16 protesters were detained. Despite the imposition of Section 144 in Lahore and four other cities—banning political gatherings—PTI supporters gathered in large numbers. The government deployed Rangers in Lahore and set up roadblocks, while police and paramilitary forces remained on high alert.
The Punjab government, based on recommendations from the Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order, requested military assistance to maintain order. In addition to the main case, multiple FIRs were filed against PTI workers for violating Section 144 during protests at various locations, including Milat Park and Hanjra Wal police stations. Notably, several PTI leaders were detained during these protests.
As tensions escalated, PTI’s political committee decided to continue protests until receiving clear directives from Imran Khan. The committee expressed concerns over the whereabouts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who unexpectedly left party workers in Islamabad and retreated to the KP House, drawing criticism from PTI leadership. The committee warned of serious repercussions should Gandapur be arrested and named Azam Swati as the leader of protests in the event of his detention.
Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser confirmed that the PTI leadership resolved to maintain the protests, emphasizing that arresting a sitting chief minister would have dire consequences for the nation. He accused the government of attempting to detain PTI legislators and criticized the treatment of party members by law enforcement.
