Police have lodged two FIRs against PTI founder Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, senior party leaders, and over 300 workers, accusing them of criminal conspiracy and inciting protests.
The first FIR, registered at the Dhamial police station on Sunday, names Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, former president Dr. Arif Alvi, Omar Ayub, Shehryar Riaz, Atif Riaz, Hammad Azhar, Khurshid Khan, and Asad Qaiser. They are accused of refusing to withdraw the call for a protest on November 24.
Police have detained 26 PTI supporters, including Ajmal and Nayyar Abbas of Chakwal. While five teenage detainees were released, 21 were remanded into police custody for five days. Similarly, Sadiqabad police arrested 27 PTI supporters, who were remanded for three days. Over the past four days, the total number of detained PTI supporters in Rawalpindi has risen to 170.
Police Clash and Violence
In Sadiqabad, two police officials were injured during clashes with PTI supporters, who reportedly tore their uniforms and confiscated anti-riot equipment, including helmets, jackets, and cash-filled wallets. A tear gas gun belonging to Head Constable Fazal Abbas was also broken in the scuffle. The police narrowly avoided a mob attack during the incident.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been under lockdown since Sunday, with all highways and link roads to the federal capital blocked. Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed to prevent PTI supporters from marching to Islamabad.
Imran Khan, currently imprisoned in Central Jail Adiala, has called on his supporters to march to Islamabad to demand his release and protest constitutional amendments and judicial changes.
Allegations Against PTI Leadership
The FIRs allege that Bushra Bibi, through a video message on November 19, relayed Imran Khan’s instructions for party MNAs to bring 5,000 participants each and MPAs to mobilize 1,000 protesters each for the November 24 march.
The Dhamial police FIR, filed by SI Mohammad Asif, includes 15 legal provisions, including Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), and charges of criminal conspiracy, obstructing police duties, road blockades, and other offenses. It accuses PTI supporters of blocking Dhamial Road by burning tires, chanting slogans like “Khan Nahin to Pakistan Nahin,” and firing at police, which caused damage to a police van. The mob also reportedly pelted stones at police, causing panic in the area.
The Sadiqabad police registered another FIR, filed by SI Ghulam Mustafa, accusing PTI leaders of inciting violence and conspiracy. The FIR names Aleema Khan, Bushra Bibi, KP Chief Minister, and others, alleging they led PTI supporters to storm a chicken market in Dhoke Kala Khan. Approximately 100 PTI workers reportedly threw stones at police, injuring two officers.
Police recovered batons, stones, catapults, and party flags from those arrested. Both FIRs highlight the PTI leadership’s refusal to heed the government-imposed Section 144 banning public gatherings and their alleged role in inciting unrest.
