PTI workers face legal action over protests

Case registered against 38 party workers for arson and vandalism on Lahore's Mall Road

Our Correspondent March 12, 2024

PTI supporters as they gather during a protest, outside the provincial election commission office in Karachi, February 17, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS

ISLAMABAD:

A day after it launched a fierce crackdown, Lahore police took legal action on Monday by registering a case against 38 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and leaders for alleged arson and vandalism on Mall Road.

The case, stemming from the arrests of PTI leaders and workers on Mall Road, was filed at Anarkali police station under various serious charges, including terrorism, kidnapping, interference in government affairs, and harassment.

Among those named in the case are 38 activists, including PT leader Hafiz Farhat Abbas, Fauzia, Hadira, and Hamida Bibi.According to the FIR, Hafiz Farhat Abbas allegedly incited PTI workers to damage government property and set houses on fire during the protest. It states that PTI workers also damaged an official vehicle.

Read PTI nationwide protests met with arrests

Hafiz Farhat Abbas and unidentified accomplices were accused of opening heavy fire, hitting an official vehicle in the process.

The FIR also claims that Hafiz Farhat Abbas and his colleagues tore a constable's uniform and attempted to kidnap him, who was later recovered from Istanbul Square.After gaining control over Hafiz Farhat Abbas, the police reportedly recovered a pistol, along with batons and sticks from the 42 accused who were arrested.

The police have been accused of launching a forceful response against PTI supporters and arresting over 100 members during nationwide protests, triggered by alleged rigging in the last month's general election.

The PTI had organised the protests to demand the restoration of what it claims to be its "stolen mandate" from the February 8 election, as well as the immediate release of party leaders, including founder and former premier Imran Khan.

The Lahore demonstration, initially intended to voice these demands, turned violent as PTI members and supporters clashed with the police. Numerous videos circulating on social media depicted scenes of police officers wielding sticks and forcibly detaining protesters inside police vehicles.