[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]LAHORE: Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was convicted on Thursday in connection with the violence that erupted after police attempted to arrest the former prime minister while battling scores of PTI supporters.
On Wednesday morning, Islamabad Police, assisted by Punjab Police and Rangers, resumed their efforts to arrest the ex-premier in connection with the Toshkhana case, which had begun on Tuesday. Imran has repeatedly avoided indictment, prompting the judge to issue a non-bailable arrest order for him.
They were met with violent opposition from PTI workers, who flung stones at them. The police retaliated with tear gas canisters.
After an hours-long standoff, portrayed by foreign media as “pitched fights,” the personnel returned to Mall Road and cleared out.
Meanwhile, Imran appealed to his fans in a short video message to come out for true freedom as police approached him to arrest him. “They believe that after my arrest, the nation will slumber, but you must prove them incorrect,” he emphasised.
The next day, in yet another video message, the PTI head had declared “I have no control over the throng outside,” as he warned that if the police “attacks” continue “the problem will get out of everyone’s hands”.
On Thursday, in a new first information report (FIR) filed at the Race Course police station, the former prime minister was charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which included rioting and other legal prohibitions.
According to the FIR, “severe crimes” were perpetrated by PTI officials and hundreds of workers at Imran’s direction, and the party chairman, along with his colleagues, has been charged with criminal conspiracy.
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Additional clauses include unauthorised armed gatherings, refusal to receive summons, impeding justice, and harbouring offenders.
According to the Complaint, PTI workers harmed residents, used petrol bombs, and damaged state property while injuring 63 police officers, including the DIG Islamabad.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
