LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: An Anti-terrorism court in Lahore officially charged PTI leaders Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, and former MPA Rubina Jamil for allegedly vandalizing police vehicles and assaulting law enforcement.
The arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan on May 9 due to the Al-Qadir Trust case sparked widespread violence, leading to attacks on critical military installations. Subsequently, the state launched a significant crackdown on his party.
Though the former premier was released shortly after, numerous PTI members, including top leadership, were detained. Many are still undergoing court proceedings facing severe charges related to the incidents.
In August, the police added additional charges under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code to all cases from May 9. These charges include acts such as attempting to wage war against Pakistan, inciting mutiny, rioting, criminal conspiracy, promoting public mischief, provocation, and more.
The FIRs encompassed events like attacks on the Corps Commander House, Askari Tower, the Shadman police station, and the burning of PML-N party offices in Model Town on May 9.
Joint investigation teams identified over 900 individuals, including the former premier and PTI leaders like Rashid, as primary suspects across multiple cases. The teams submitted charge sheets to an ATC accordingly.
Recent developments include the Lahore High Court instructing the Punjab Home Department to ensure better jail conditions for Chaudhry, citing health concerns. The Punjab police initiated a fresh crackdown, leading to arrests of PTI workers and activists nationwide.
In specific instances, the judicial remand of Jamil was extended by a Lahore ATC, while Rashid and Omar Sarfaraz Cheema faced a fresh FIR related to an alleged attack on the Prime Minister’s House in Lahore. Rashid was denied physical remand and placed on judicial remand.
During the recent hearing presided over by Judge Abhar Gul, the accused pleaded not guilty. The ATC scheduled witnesses to testify on December 16 regarding the case.
