Khan’s wife, close aide among 18,000 others booked on terror charges after Islamabad protests

A case has been registered in Islamabad against 18,000 workers of Pakistan's main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including former Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, and his close aide, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, following the November 24 protests in the federal capital.

The charges, outlined in a First Information Report (FIR), include 20 sections, such as terrorism, attempted murder, kidnapping, and possession of firearms.

An FIR is a formal document prepared by the police in Pakistan when they receive information about a cognizable offense.

The case was filed at a local police station based on a complaint by a police officer who accused PTI leadership of plotting to overthrow the government.

According to the FIR, on the evening of November 26, the officer and other law enforcement personnel stationed at D-Chowk alleged that PTI leaders and approximately 18,000 protesters engaged in violent acts. These actions reportedly involved the use of weapons and direct confrontation with police.

Notable figures named in the FIR include Bushra Bibi, Gandapur, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan, former President Arif Alvi, Zartaj Gul, Sher Afzal Marwat, Shahid Khattak, Umair Niazi, and former Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed.

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The FIR claims the protesters, armed with sticks, stones, and iron rods, advanced toward the Red Zone while chanting threats against law enforcement.

It further alleges that PTI leaders, particularly Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, incited supporters to march on D-Chowk with the intent to overthrow the government and secure Imran Khan’s release.

The report states that PTI workers attacked police officers, causing injuries through gunfire, torture, and attempted murder, and accuses PTI leadership of inciting violence to spread terror, destabilize the government, and advance the party’s agenda while promoting anti-government sentiments.

A day earlier, PTI announced plans to file cases against top government officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, over the killing of party workers during the protests.

Addressing a press conference in Peshawar, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram accused the government of suppressing facts and vowed to lodge FIRs against PM Shehbaz, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

The unrest followed PTI's mass protests on November 24, called by Imran Khan to challenge alleged election rigging in February, which he claims was orchestrated to block his political comeback.

The demonstrations escalated into clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement, causing significant unrest in Islamabad.