ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan is facing new accusations of inciting violence, with multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) claiming he orchestrated recent protests and riots from his prison cell.
At least 13 cases have been registered in Islamabad, with additional charges in Hassanabdal. The charges, brought against Khan, 63 other PTI leaders, and over 3,000 party workers, include allegations of sedition, terrorism, and attempted murder.
According to the FIRs, Khan allegedly exploited “extraordinary facilities” in prison, bypassing standard procedures to communicate with party members and visitors. This allowed him, the reports claim, to continuously incite violent actions against the state and its institutions. The complaints accuse Khan of directing PTI leaders to organize a violent march on the capital, intending to create widespread chaos and anarchy.
One of the FIRs, filed at Sangjani police station by Inspector Abdul Sattar, detailed that the protests led to clashes with police, with demonstrators reportedly using petrol bombs, stones, marbles, and firearms. Senior PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Omer Ayub, and Barrister Mohammad Saif, are named for allegedly inciting the violence through provocative speeches.
Azam Swati is accused of providing financial support for the protests, while CM Gandapur is alleged to have misused public resources from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to support the march on Islamabad. Protesters reportedly claimed they received direct orders from Khan and Gandapur to reach D-Chowk, block it, and disrupt government activities.
These allegations mark a significant escalation in the ongoing political tensions in Pakistan, with the government accusing Khan of orchestrating violent acts from within prison. The truth of these claims will be tested as legal proceedings move forward.
The FIRs have been filed in various police stations across Islamabad, including Secretariat, CTD, Ramna, Sangjani, Golra, Karachi Company, Tarnol, Sumbal, Noon, Industrial Area, Kohsar, and Aabpara.
