Suri, Khilji among PTI leaders booked for inciting violence in Balochistan

Former deputy speaker of the National Assembly, Qasim Khan Suri, provincial minister Mobeen Khilji, and other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have been booked for inciting violence in the province, according to an FIR lodged by the Bijli Road Police Station.

The PTI leaders have been accused of damaging public and private property, blocking roads, and disrupting routine life by burning tyres in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, according to the FIR obtained by The Express Tribune.

A senior police officer confirmed to The Express Tribune that 70 PTI workers and leaders have been arrested for their alleged involvement in violent protests in Quetta and other parts of the province that erupted after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan in Islamabad.

The arrested PTI workers are being interrogated after being shifted to various police stations.

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Former PTI MNA Munawara Munir, while addressing a press conference, condemned the Balochistan government for using force against her party workers. She claimed that PTI workers were subjected to torture and force in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan.

The Balochistan government has also condemned the violent protests in the province. Provincial government spokesperson Babar Yousafzai stated that some elements were inciting violence to serve their personal and political interests.

He further added that all miscreants involved in acts of violence would be brought to justice. The Balochistan government and law enforcement agencies have demonstrated restraint to avoid any human losses, he added.

The spokesperson further stated that that Section 144 has already been imposed in the province to maintain the law and order situation.