Terrorism Charges Filed Against Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and PTI Workers in Pakistan

Terrorism Charges Filed Against Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and PTI Workers in Pakistan

Islamabad, Pakistan: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and over a hundred members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have been charged with terrorism following a recent protest in Islamabad, escalating the country’s already tense political climate.

The charges against Khan, Bushra Bibi, and others include terrorism, violating restrictions on public gatherings under Section 144, attacking police officers, kidnapping, obstructing government operations, and other offenses. Section 144 prohibits public assembly of more than four people in designated areas.

Authorities have already arrested approximately 1,000 PTI workers who participated in the sit-in protest, called by Khan as his “final appeal” to supporters. The protestors, defying roadblocks and restrictions imposed by the government, demanded Khan’s release and other reforms. Bushra Bibi, recently freed after nine months in custody, led the protest alongside PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Khan, the founder of PTI, has been in custody since August 2023, facing a slew of criminal charges. His continued detention and the government’s crackdown on PTI have sparked widespread unrest among his supporters.

As protestors reached their designated location on Tuesday, paramilitary forces reportedly used live ammunition to disperse the crowds, further intensifying the volatile situation.

The developments mark a critical juncture in Pakistan’s political crisis, as the government continues to suppress opposition movements while PTI supporters remain steadfast in their calls for justice and Khan’s release.