ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have been charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act, along with attempted murder and robbery, for their involvement in a protest in Islamabad.
The protest, which occurred outside the National Press Club, was initially peaceful, but authorities allege that the protesters engaged in violent behavior. According to the FIR, the demonstrators allegedly seized a tear gas gun from an officer, tore the uniform of Sub-Inspector Tanveer, and stole a sheet from another official. They also reportedly blocked the road, causing significant traffic disruption.
The case has been registered against three PTI candidates, Shoaib Shaheen, Amir Mughal, and Ali Bukhari, who ran for the National Assembly election from Islamabad, along with 80 other individuals. So far, ten people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The use of the Anti-Terrorism Act against political protesters has raised concerns about the government’s handling of dissent. Critics argue that the act is intended to combat terrorism, not to suppress political expression.
The PTI leaders have denied any misconduct, insisting that the protest was peaceful. This case has ignited outrage among PTI supporters, who view it as an attempt to silence political opposition.
