Ex-Senator Mushtaq charged with terrorism for Gaza march towards US Embassy

A terrorism case has been registered against former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed for organising a march towards the US Embassy in support of Gaza.

The case was filed at Islamabad’s Aabpara Police Station against Mushtaq Ahmed, a former Senator and leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, Express News reported.

He had called for a march from Aabpara to the US Embassy as part of the "Save Gaza" campaign to show solidarity with the people of Gaza. The former Senator faces charges under 13 sections, including terrorism. Yesterday, 30 people, including three women, were arrested.

According to the text of the case, protesters were demonstrating outside Masjid-e-Shuhada when, on Senator Mushtaq Ahmed’s instructions, they began marching towards the Red Zone. When police attempted to stop them, the demonstrators allegedly attacked officers, injuring two policemen with sticks.

The case text further states that stones thrown by the protesters broke the windows of six public and two government vehicles. Some protesters also allegedly snatched an anti-riot kit and helmet from Constable Zafarullah.

Last month police detained former Mushtaq Ahmed, along with his wife, son, and over two dozen protesters, during a march expressing solidarity with Gaza.

The ex-senator had called on the public to gather at Express Chowk, an entry point to Islamabad’s Red Zone from the D-Chowk side.

In response, the Islamabad administration enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, prohibiting all gatherings, and warned that violators would face legal repercussions.

The capital police reported that individuals defying the ban were detained from areas such as Express Chowk, China Chowk, Embassy Road, and Serena Chowk, and later moved to police stations including Secretariat, Kohsar, and Shalimar