Protests in Rawalpindi: Imran Khan’s Party Faces Police Action
After a protest led by former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, PTI, turned violent in Rawalpindi, police in Punjab province filed FIRs against hundreds of participants. Despite Section 144 banning public gatherings, PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, joined the protest.
Over a hundred PTI leaders and workers were arrested on various charges, including violating the protest ban and obstructing police. Gandapur vowed to continue their efforts despite the government’s actions.
Details of the Protest
The protest was held at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi, despite the imposition of Section 144, which bans public gatherings. The police arrested more than a hundred PTI leaders and workers on charges such as the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, shouting slogans against the government, and damaging police vehicles.
Key Figures Involved
Key PTI leaders like Shehryar Riaz, Seemabia Tahir, and 107 activists were named in the FIRs. More than 450 others were declared ‘unknown suspects’ and booked under the law. Gandapur, charged under Section 109 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, stated that the government could not divert them from their goal.
Impact on Rawalpindi
The intense protests disrupted essential services in Rawalpindi, blocking ambulances and preventing people from moving out of their homes. PTI alleged that the police used ‘expired teargas shells,’ but the police denied these claims, stating the shells were recently manufactured.
Doubts Revealed
Rawalpindi -: Rawalpindi is a city in Pakistan, near the capital Islamabad. It’s known for its military headquarters and historical sites.
Imran Khan -: Imran Khan is a famous cricketer turned politician. He was the Prime Minister of Pakistan before being removed from office.
PTI -: PTI stands for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. It’s a political party in Pakistan founded by Imran Khan.
FIR -: FIR stands for First Information Report. It’s a document prepared by police in India and Pakistan when they receive information about a crime.
Section 144 -: Section 144 is a law in India and Pakistan that bans public gatherings to prevent unrest. It means people can’t gather in large groups.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a province in Pakistan. It’s located in the northwestern part of the country.
Chief Minister -: A Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state or province in India and Pakistan. They are like the boss of that region.
Ali Amin Gandapur -: Ali Amin Gandapur is a politician in Pakistan. He is a leader in Imran Khan’s party and the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
obstructing police -: Obstructing police means stopping or interfering with police officers while they are doing their job. It’s against the law.