Imran Khan Arrested in Vandalism Case after Toshakhana Bail
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- November 21, 2024
- 11:55 am
- 22
- Current Affairs
Hours after securing bail in the Toshakhana case, former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested in a new case registered at New Town Police Station in Rawalpindi. The case involves serious charges including terrorism, arson, stone-throwing, and damaging government property.
The Toshakhana case centered on allegations of illegally retaining gifts. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) accused Khan and his wife of keeping a jewelry set gifted by the Saudi royal family, valued at Rs70.56 million. The Islamabad High Court's Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb approved Khan's bail against two surety bonds worth Rs1 million each.
Immediately after the bail, Rawalpindi police booked Khan in a case related to the PTI's September 27 protest. The First Information Report (FIR) details multiple allegations:
- Participants created unrest and obstructed public access
- Protesters burned tires and caused public difficulties
- PTI leaders raised anti-government slogans
- Stones were hurled at police
- Protesters attacked with iron rods
The case was registered under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Along with Imran Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and other PTI leaders like Seemabia Tahir, Amir Mughar, and Aliya Hamza were named as co-accused.
Police sources revealed that five suspects were arrested from the scene, with a petrol bottle recovered from one suspect. The charges in the FIR are comprehensive, including terrorism, attempted murder, vandalism, destroying public and state property, and interference in government operations.
According to the FIR, several police vehicles were damaged, including SP Rawal's vehicle. One police officer sustained a severe eye injury from broken glass. The accused were also alleged to have seized government firearms and fired them in the air, causing panic.
A police team led by SSP Investigation arrived at Adiala Jail and formally "arrested" the former premier. An anti-terrorism court is scheduled to hear the case, with police expected to request physical remand.
The arrest comes despite speculation about Khan's potential release. A police spokesperson noted that Khan remains implicated in multiple cases related to May 9, making his release unlikely.
This latest development continues the complex legal challenges faced by Imran Khan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, marking another turbulent chapter in the former prime minister's ongoing political and legal battles.
