Former Pak PM Imran Khan booked in new terrorism cases over Rawalpindi protest
Islamabad (PTI): Punjab police has registered three new cases against Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan following a protest by his party on his call at Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh area on Saturday.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was booked on Sunday under the Anti-Terrorism Act along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and party chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.
The complaints filed by the New Town and Civil Lines police stations of Rawalpindi also included charges of attempted murder, violations of Section 144 and other terrorism-related offences.
According to the charges, the 71-year-old leader incited his supporters to protest against national institutions while issuing directives from Adiala Jail where he has been incarcerated for more than a year.
The Punjab government has also raised allegations against Khan and his supporters, accusing them of criticising national institutions, engaging in vandalism, and inciting violence, including stone-pelting.
Khan’s supporters on Saturday allegedly clashed with police during the protest. Hundreds of PTI supporters tried to reach the historic Liaquat Bagh park in the city for the protest called by Khan, but police erected barricades and blocked all major roads.
In videos shared by the PTI, protesters were seen attacking the police with stones and bricks and the law-enforcing personnel were seen retreating in haste while being chased by the protesters.
Earlier, Khan had given a call for "peaceful protest", ahead of which, the provincial government banned public gatherings and closed all major roads leading to the city.
Following the clashes, the party called off the protest to avoid any losses. The General Headquarters of the army is located in Rawalpindi and the venue of the protest was hardly a few kilometers away from the GHQ.
Khan was arrested on August 5 last year after his conviction in the first Toshakhana corruption case filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Since then, he has been in jail in different cases.
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Manipur DGP asked to secure release of two kidnapped youths: CM Biren Singh
Imphal (PTI): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said the director general of police has been asked to secure the release of two of the three youths who were allegedly abducted by militants in Kangpokpi district three days ago.
The government is discharging its duties to secure their release, he said.
"It is a very unfortunate incident. Of the three youths, one was released while the two others are still in the hands of militants. The Centre and the state government are in touch to ensure the safe release of the two youths. We are engaging in talks now," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of the 128th birth anniversary of Jana Neta Hijam Irabot.
Hijam Irabot was a legendary leader known for his contributions to the social, political and economic development of Manipur.
Accompanied by his two friends, N. Johnson Singh, who was rescued by the army, went for the SSC GD recruitment test for central forces at New Keithelmanbi in Manipur's Imphal West district but took a wrong turn, ending up in Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi, a police officer said.
The three, who hail from Thoubal district, were allegedly abducted by armed men in Kangpokpi, a police officer said.
"The DGP himself has gone to the place to have talks (with abductors). We believe that there will be a positive outcome.
"They have made some demands...But the government is trying to release the two youths unconditionally," Singh said.
Security forces in Manipur are making all-out efforts to trace the two missing youths, police said.
Speaking on the birth anniversary of the social reformer, Singh said, "I want to share my greetings to the people of the country on the occasion. We should strive to make the state based on the foundations of his teachings and works."
Taking to X, he later said, "Attended the observance of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat (Irabot) Day, 2024 at Irawat (Irabot) Square, Lilashing Khongnangkhong, Thangmeiband, Imphal today. Irawat was a visionary leader who spearheaded campaigns to uplift the people with socio-economic reforms. His fight against religious exploitation & economic oppression shall continue to inspire us for generations."
