Islamabad, Pakistan – The Pakistani government has filed multiple charges, including “terrorism,” against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and hundreds of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers following recent protests in Islamabad.
The charges against Khan, Bibi, and others include “terrorism,” violations of protest restrictions in the capital, attacks on police, abduction, interference in government operations, and defiance of Section 144, which bans gatherings of more than four people.
Authorities have arrested nearly 1,000 PTI supporters who traveled to Islamabad on Sunday for a sit-in following Khan’s “final call” to protest against the government. Despite roadblocks nationwide, protesters reached central Islamabad, demanding Khan’s release and other reforms. The protest, led by Bibi and PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur, escalated when paramilitary forces allegedly opened fire to disperse the crowd at the sit-in site on Tuesday.
Later that evening, a law enforcement operation cleared the area. Bibi and Gandapur returned to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the same night. By Wednesday, PTI announced the suspension of the sit-in, claiming eight supporters had been killed during the protests.
However, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Planning Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal denied these allegations, stating no live ammunition was used and no deaths were reported. Tarar cited hospital authorities, who confirmed no bodies had been received. Contradictory statements from PTI leaders claimed casualties ranging from 10 to 200, adding to the dispute.
The controversy intensified with journalist Matiullah Jan’s arrest while investigating the alleged protest deaths. Jan faces accusations of drug trafficking, “terrorism,” and assaulting police officers.
The protests occur amid ongoing political tensions. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) coalition, in power since February, faces resistance from PTI, which has held four major demonstrations in recent months. PTI continues to challenge the credibility of the elections and demand Khan’s release.
