‘Vandalism’ in Rawalpindi: Imran, KP CM booked under anti-terror law

RAWALPINDI: The police have booked PTI founder Imran Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur under the terrorism act on the accusation of violent protests and vandalism in Rawalpindi, police authorities said.

The cases against Imran Khan and Gandapur have been lodged at the New Town police station under Section 7 of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) with other relevant sections of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

The police said that FIRs have been registered at four police stations including City, Waris Khan, New Town and RA Bazaar. Over 100 leaders and activists, including Simabiah Tahir, MPA Asad Abbas, Ijaz Khan and Amir Mughal, have been nominated in the FIRs, adding that over 100 leaders and activists, including Simabiah Tahir, MPA Asad Abbas, Ijaz Khan, and Amir Mughal, have been nominated in the FIRs.

The official engaged in the investigation of the case said that different charges included allegations of interference in government operations, rioting and an attack on a government vehicle with a petrol bomb, along with provisions related to conspiracy to commit vandalism.

Founder PTI Imran Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, and 45 other leaders and activists, have been nominated in the first FIR that says that the participants created unrest, obstructed public access by burning tires and creating difficulties for citizens.

Police officials reported that five suspects were arrested at the scene, including Khalil, Imran, Sadaqat, Yaseen, and Tahir. A petrol bottle was recovered from the possession of suspect Tahir. The charges included terrorism, attempted murder, vandalism, destroying public and state property, and interference in government operations.

According to the FIR, PTI leaders and activists raised anti-government slogans, hurled stones at the police and attacked with iron rods.

Several police vehicles, including that of SP Rawal, were damaged, and one police officer sustained a severe eye injury from glass. The FIR also stated that the accused seized government firearms and fired them in the air, causing panic. Police confirmed that cases have been registered, and raids were being conducted to apprehend additional suspects.

Meanwhile, the federal capital police have arrested former senator of Jamat-e-Islami Mushtaq Ahmed with his wife and ten other activists for breaking Section 144, during a demonstration against Israel on Sunday.