Imran Khan, KP CM Gandapur, and Others Booked in Policeman’s Death During PTI Protest

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and other senior party leaders were charged on Tuesday in connection with the death of an Islamabad policeman during PTI’s recent protest in the federal capital.

The case, which includes charges of attempted murder, arson, violence against police, and attacks on the state, was registered at the Noon Police Station in Islamabad. Among the politicians named in the FIR are PTI leaders Azam Swati, Omar Ayub, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, PTI Islamabad President Aamir Mughal, Malik Hafeez Ur Rehman Tipu, and 400 unidentified individuals.

The charges follow the death of Constable Abdul Hameed, who was allegedly attacked during PTI’s protest at D-Chowk on October 4. The policeman was reportedly abducted and tortured by protesters while performing his duties at Chungi Number 26 on GT Road. He later succumbed to his injuries.

According to the FIR, the protesters, allegedly acting on the orders of PTI leaders, assaulted the police with sticks, stones, and iron rods. They reportedly tore the uniforms of officers, fired at them, and used tear gas, resulting in injuries. The protesters also set government and public property on fire, raising slogans against the government and the state.

This case is one of several filed against PTI leaders, with Imran Khan and 105 others also facing charges in another similar case registered on October 6. The PTI leaders were booked following violent clashes between law enforcement and PTI supporters during the party’s ongoing protests against the government.

PTI initiated these protests demanding judicial independence and the release of party founder Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for more than a year.

The law and order situation in Islamabad remained tense, with PTI attempting to stage demonstrations at D-Chowk, despite the enforcement of Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings. The restriction was imposed to ensure security ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) meeting in the capital.

PTI leaders, including Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, were also detained during the October 4 protest and remain in police custody alongside other arrested party members.

The clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement have further escalated political tensions, with both sides blaming each other for the outbreak of violence.