Imran Khan, Gandapur booked over cop's death in PTI protest

A case has been registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership following the death of a police constable near the Hakka Interchange.

An FIR has been filed at the Taxila police station based on the police's complaint, naming PTI founder Imran Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Salar Khan Kakar, and Shahid Khatak.

The FIR includes sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (Section 14) as well as provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act, Express News reported.

According to the FIR, the attacking suspects were armed with tear gas guns, rubber bullet guns, and firearms. They assaulted police officers and personnel with sticks and stones. The suspects violated Section 144, and under the criminal conspiracy of PTI's founder and other leaders, the attack on the police was carried out. Due to the suspects' shelling, the police were forced to disperse.

The suspects injured Constable Mubashir Hassan and abducted him in a red van. During the attack, Constables Adnan, Raees, and Naeem were also injured. Later, it was reported that the suspects had thrown Constable Mubashir Hassan under the Hakka Bridge before fleeing the scene.

Mubashir Hassan was transferred to the hospital, but he could not survive.

Army deployed in Islamabad after security personnel martyred in PTI clashes

In response to escalating security concerns in Islamabad, the Ministry of Interior has announced the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution.

The move comes amid rising tensions following protests organised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, leading to violent clashes with security forces, Express News reported.

Authorities have issued stringent directives to security personnel, authorising them to take decisive action against agitators and miscreants, including the use of extreme measures such as shooting rioters on sight.

The interior ministry's notification also grants the Pakistan Army the authority to impose curfews in any locality deemed necessary to maintain law and order.

Following a PTI procession from Chungi Number 26 to D-Chowk, heightened security measures were implemented in Islamabad’s red zone, with Rangers personnel stationed at strategic locations.

‘Miscreants want bloodshed, not revolution’: PM Shehbaz on PTI protest

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the recent attacks on law enforcement personnel, calling the actions of violent protesters a "clear attempt at bloodshed rather than revolution."

He described the incidents as not part of a peaceful protest, but as an act of extremism, Express News reported.

In a statement following the tragic deaths of four Rangers personnel, the PM Shehbaz expressed deep sorrow and grief, reiterating that Pakistan cannot tolerate any form of violence or bloodshed for political gain.

He emphasised that the attacks on police and Rangers officers under the guise of a peaceful protest are completely reprehensible.

He said Pakistan cannot afford any form of chaos or bloodshed. He said bloodshed for nefarious political agenda is unacceptable and highly condemnable.

The PM further remarked that law enforcement agencies, tasked with maintaining peace and order, have been deliberately targeted by the disruptive group.