By Several high-ranking leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been charged with serious terrorism-related offenses following violent confrontations with police during a recent rally in Islamabad. The cases, lodged at the Sangjani and CTD police stations, involve allegations under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024.
According to an FIR obtained by The Express Tribune, the charges are directed at prominent PTI figures including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Shoaib Shaheen, Omar Ayub, Sheikh Waqas Akram, and Khalid Khurshid. The FIR, filed by Magistrate Islamabad Ghulam Murtaza Chandio, accuses these individuals of disrupting official duties, using violence, and issuing threats.
The complaint details that despite repeated notices that their No Objection Certificate (NOC) had expired, the rally organizers, including Aamir Mughal, Faisal Amin Gandapur, and Sheikh Bilal Ijaz, refused to disband the event. They reportedly dismissed the warnings, stating, “We do not recognize any laws or rules, do whatever you want.”
As the rally continued, anti-state speeches were delivered, escalating tensions. At approximately 8:30 pm, law enforcement officials requested the organizers to halt the event, but the crowd persisted. By 9:30 pm, when Magistrate Asim Ali Zaidi and DSP attempted to approach the stage, the situation deteriorated further.
The FIR alleges that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur threatened a DSP by holding a gun to his temple. Khalid Khurshid is accused of placing a pistol to an ASI’s head and threatening violence if ordered to stop. Aamir Mughal allegedly seized a police wireless set, while PTI members are said to have torn apart police uniforms. Additionally, Shoaib Shaheen is accused of hitting a constable with a pistol butt, and Sheikh Waqas Akram reportedly assaulted an ASI with kicks and punches. Other accused include Zain Qureshi, Hameed Raza, and Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who allegedly pushed and shoved a constable, verbally abused officers, and stole a bulletproof jacket.
The FIR further alleges that the rally leaders unlawfully confined the police team, preventing them from performing their duties. In total, the case includes 11 sections, incorporating provisions from the Anti-Terrorism Act (7ATA) and charges of violence and threats against public officials.
Separate terrorism cases have also been filed at the CTD police station, with allegations against former speaker Asad Qaiser and Shahid Khattak for attempting to run over police officers with their vehicle.
The investigation into these serious charges is ongoing. PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who has been discharged from custody, deny the allegations and claim that the charges are politically motivated. They argue that the accusations are part of a broader effort by the government to target and undermine PTI’s leadership.
