JIT to grill Imran over violent protests

Charges include assaulting cops, vandalism & violation of ATA rules

RAWALPINDI:

A Joint Investigation Team (JIT), constituted to investigate two cases related to the protest staged by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on October 5, will interrogate incarcerated ex-premier Imran Khan.

These cases will be handled similarly to the May 9 incidents, with the party's founder set to be interrogated at Adiala Jail. Both cases have been filed under anti-terrorism laws at the Naseerabad and Taxila police stations, implicating local leaders and more than 700 PTI activists, including the party's founder.

According to a senior police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the first case was registered at the Taxila police station. This case names the PTI founder, local leaders, and 300 activists, 105 of whom have already been arrested.

The charges include serious offenses such as assaulting police personnel, vandalism, and violations of anti-terrorism laws.

The second case was filed at the Naseerabad police station, naming several prominent PTI leaders, including Ajmal Sabir Raja, Raja Shehbaz, Shehryar Riaz, Javed Kausar, Malik Taimur Masood, Ziad Khaliq Kayani, Raja Rashid Hafeez, Ijaz Jazi, Nasir Mahfouz, and Chaudhry Ameer Afzal.

Sixteen individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the case. The PTI leadership has been accused of encouraging supporters to mobilise large crowds.

The protesters, reportedly armed with petrol bombs, sticks, stones, and firearms, are alleged to have attacked police personnel and opened fire.

The PTI leadership also allegedly issued threats of serious consequences if their party founder was not released.

The protesters reportedly gathered with the intention of attacking security agencies, creating panic and fear among the public.

They blocked roads, including one near Motorway M1, and the protest was led by Alamgir, causing further alarm among local residents.

The mob also attacked police vehicles, ransacking property and chanting slogans against state institutions, reportedly on the directives of the PTI founder.

The police official further stated that it has been decided to include the PTI founder in the investigation. The JIT will focus on allegations of incitement and encouraging opposition against state institutions. Formal permission to interrogate the PTI founder will be sought from an anti-terrorism court, following which the investigation team will visit Adiala Jail.