The charges include attempted murder, resisting police and creating a disturbance during the Adiala Road disturbance.
Screenshot of PTI founder Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan and Naureen Khan at a press conference outside Adiala jail on Monday.
RAWALPINDI:
Rawalpindi police on Wednesday registered a case under anti-terrorism provisions against Imran Khan’s sisters, several members of the national and provincial assemblies and around 1,400 unidentified individuals following the disturbances on Adiala Road on Tuesday evening.
According to police, the FIR was lodged following the complaint of sub-inspector Imran Khan, in-charge of the Adiala check post, and includes charges of attempt to murder and resisting law enforcement.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had called for a “peaceful protest” against restrictions on meetings with its founder. However, authorities imposed Section 144 across the district, banning public gatherings for 15 days.
Despite sidewalks and persistent rain in the twin cities, a large number of PTI leaders and supporters tried to reach the jail premises but were intercepted at several places by law enforcement agencies.
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Police said several people were named in the FIR, including Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi. Others named include MP Shahid Khattak, MP Meena Khan, MP Shafqat Awan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Shafee Jan.
According to the complaint, protesters threw rocks at police, injuring nine personnel. Police said 41 suspects were arrested at the scene but later escaped, while several others also fled. Authorities added that 13 vehicles belonging to the survivors had been seized. Police said gasoline, glass bottles, cotton, matches and other materials were recovered from the vehicles.
The FIR stated that government and private vehicles were damaged during the unrest due to stone pelting and use of sticks. Police alleged that the accused tried to create trouble for political purposes to put pressure on the Punjab government.
Meanwhile, PTI leaders condemned the police action. Senior committee member Seemabia Tahir Satti said the group, including Imran Khan’s sisters, was arrested near DHA Chowk. “Law enforcement had already liberated a nearby hotel. They arrested Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan along with several employees and closed the hotel after arresting them,” she said.
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PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram also criticized the operation, alleging that party leaders and workers were arrested and subjected to force. He said protesters faced heavy shelling and baton charges, while roads leading to Adiala prison were closed.
According to him, several party members from different areas were arrested at rest stops, including Kallar Kahar and Chakri, where arrests also took place. He added that at least five members of the Punjab Assembly, including opposition leader Moeen Qureshi, had been arrested.
Special security arrangements had been put in place in Rawalpindi ahead of the protest linked to the planned meetings with Imran. The PTI also announced a protest on April 9, marking the fourth anniversary of the party’s departure from power through a motion of no confidence.
Imran has been in custody since August 2023 and is serving a sentence in Adiala Prison in a £190 million corruption case. He also faces ongoing trials under the anti-terrorism law in connection with the May 9, 2023 protests.
The PTI intensified calls for his release after a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court said the vision in his right eye had fallen to 15 percent. However, government officials say he is receiving appropriate medical care.
