In Islamabad, a day following a forceful crackdown, the Lahore police took legal measures on Monday by initiating a case against 38 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and leaders for alleged arson and vandalism on Mall Road.
The case, arising from the apprehension of PTI leaders and workers on Mall Road, was lodged at Anarkali police station under various severe charges, including terrorism, abduction, intervention in governmental affairs, and harassment.
Among those implicated in the case are 38 activists, including PT leader Hafiz Farhat Abbas, Fauzia, Hadira, and Hamida Bibi. As per the FIR, Hafiz Farhat Abbas purportedly incited PTI workers to damage public property and ignite houses during the protest. It is stated that PTI workers also vandalized an official vehicle. Hafiz Farhat Abbas and unidentified associates were accused of firing heavily, damaging an official vehicle in the process.
The FIR further alleges that Hafiz Farhat Abbas and his associates ripped off a constable’s uniform and attempted to abduct him, who was later rescued from Istanbul Square. Upon apprehending Hafiz Farhat Abbas, the police purportedly recovered a pistol along with batons and sticks from the 42 accused individuals who were detained.
The police are accused of employing a vigorous response against PTI supporters and detaining over 100 members during nationwide protests sparked by alleged election rigging in last month’s general elections.
The PTI had organized the protests to demand the restitution of what it perceives as its “stolen mandate” from the February 8 election, as well as the immediate release of party leaders, including founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.
Initially intended to voice these demands, the Lahore demonstration turned violent as PTI members and supporters clashed with the police. Various videos circulating on social media depicted instances of police officers wielding batons and forcibly detaining protesters inside police vehicles.
