In Pakistan, the Punjab police have filed three fresh cases against Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, following a protest by his party in response to his call in Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh area on Saturday.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act on Sunday, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, according to The Express Tribune.
Complaints from Rawalpindi’s New Town and Civil Lines police stations also include accusations of attempted murder, breaches of Section 144, and other terrorism-related offences.
The charges allege that the 71-year-old leader encouraged his supporters to protest against national institutions while issuing directives from Adiala Jail, where he has been held for over a year.
The Punjab government also accused Khan and his followers of criticizing national institutions, committing vandalism, and inciting violence, including stone-throwing.
On Saturday, Khan’s supporters allegedly clashed with police during the protest. Hundreds of PTI members attempted to gather at Liaquat Bagh park, but police had erected barricades and blocked key roads, the report said.
Videos shared by the PTI showed protesters throwing stones and bricks at the police, forcing law enforcement officers to retreat.
Before the protest, Khan had called for a “peaceful demonstration,” but the provincial government banned public gatherings and closed major roads leading into the city.
After the clashes, the party called off the protest to prevent further violence. The protest site was just a few kilometers from the army’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
Khan was arrested on August 5 of last year in the Toshakhana corruption case filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan. He has remained in jail since, facing multiple charges.
