Political unrest in Pakistan has deepened as former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and hundreds of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers face terrorism charges following mass protests in Islamabad. The government accuses them of inciting violence, violating protest laws, attacking police, and defying Section 144, which bans gatherings of more than four people.
Charges Against PTI Leaders
The charges stem from protests earlier this week when PTI supporters converged on Islamabad despite government roadblocks. Imran Khan, jailed since August 2023, and Bushra Bibi, released in October after a nine-month imprisonment, remain central figures in the unrest. Bibi, alongside PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief Ali Amin Gandapur, led the protest, demanding Khan’s release.
Read: PTI Committees Question Bushra Bibi’s Role in Decision-Making
Authorities arrested nearly 1,000 PTI supporters who defied the crackdown. The protests reached central Islamabad, but paramilitary forces reportedly fired on demonstrators to disperse the crowd. The situation escalated further during a two-hour operation on Tuesday evening, forcing Bibi and Gandapur to retreat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Disputed Casualty Claims
The PTI claims at least eight protesters died during the clashes, but the government firmly denies these allegations. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal rejected reports of fatalities, stating that no bodies were received at Islamabad’s major hospitals, Poly Clinic and PIMS.
Tarar dismissed the claims as politically motivated. “The health department confirmed no deaths. PTI is spreading misinformation for political gain,” he stated. Despite these denials, PTI leaders issued conflicting death tolls, ranging from 10 to 200, fueling further controversy.
Hospitals refused to disclose details of casualties, citing restrictions. The government accused PTI of circulating fake lists of the dead and injured on social media, intensifying the dispute over the actual number of casualties.
Journalist’s Arrest Raises Alarm
The unrest took a darker turn with the arrest of Matiullah Jan, a journalist known for his criticism of the military. Jan was reportedly investigating protester deaths for his YouTube channel. He now faces charges of drug trafficking, terrorism, and assaulting police officers. His arrest has sparked outrage, with many viewing it as an attempt to suppress dissent.
A Deepening Political Crisis
This latest confrontation is part of a broader struggle between the PTI and the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN). The PMLN, in power since February, formed a coalition government after the PTI refused to govern, alleging electoral rigging by the military. Although PTI won 93 National Assembly seats, it boycotted parliament, claiming its mandate was undermined.
In response, the PTI launched four major protests in recent months, demanding Khan’s release and challenging the legitimacy of the coalition government. Tensions remain high as both sides refuse to back down, raising concerns over Pakistan’s political stability.
With terrorism charges against prominent PTI leaders and the government’s denial of protester deaths, the political crisis in Pakistan shows no signs of easing. The standoff between the PTI and PMLN continues to polarize the nation, leaving its future uncertain.
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