The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government announced legal action against the Punjab police for their response during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest in Rawalpindi, which saw clashes between police and party workers.
Moreover, cases have been registered against 58 PTI leaders, accused of vandalism and raising anti-state slogans.
Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, Adviser to the KP Chief Minister on Information, condemned the use of tear gas shelling on women workers and stated that the KP Advocate General would be directed to take legal steps. “Our workers were subjected to straight firing, and women were shelled,” said Saif.
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In addition, the protest, which was called off due to violence, occurred despite the Punjab government’s imposing Section 144, banning political gatherings. Clashes erupted when PTI workers attempted to move towards Liaquat Bagh, prompting police to use tear gas. PTI supporters retaliated with stones and glass bottles.
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur vowed to respond to police actions, saying that PTI workers were injured and bullets were fired at them.
Meanwhile, police have booked 58 PTI leaders at Waris Khan police station under charges of terrorism, attempted murder, and vandalism. The FIR alleges that the suspects raised anti-state slogans, carried weapons, and assaulted police personnel, resulting in injuries to officers and damage to police vehicles.