Imran Khan faces arrest in seven fresh cases linked to PTI protests

RAWALPINDI: Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has been arrested in fresh cases linked to the party's recent protests in the federal capital and 

The former prime minister was presented before an anti-terrorism court judge at Adiala jail, after the completion of six-day physical remand in a separate case pertaining to PTI's September 28 protest in the garrison town.

The prosecution team did not seek extension in the physical remand. The case lodged at the New Town police station, alleges Khan of issuing a call for the demonstration, which led to violent incidents in Rawalpindi.

During the hearing, the Pindi police arrested the former premier in the new cases, pertaining to the more recent protests staged by PTI on October 5 and November 24, besides a separate case linked to the Rawalpindi demonstration.

However, the prosecution did not seek physical custody of the high-profile suspect in the new cases as well.

At this, ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah, who was hearing the matter, sent Khan on judicial remand in all the cases, including the fresh cases.

The new cases have been registered against Khan in various police stations for giving calls of protests that resulted in violent incidents.

It may be noted that at least three Rangers personnel and two copes were martyred in violent clashes with the PTI protesters in the latest protest in November. PTI claims that at least 20 lives of its members were also killed.

PTI's protest ended abruptly when the authorities launched a late-night crackdown on party workers and leaders at Islamabad's D-Chowk.

The law enforcers also arrested more than 1,000 PTI workers, including over three dozen Afghan nationals, and recovered tear gas and other ammunition.

Arrest warrants issued for PTI leaders

An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad issued arrest warrants for PTI founder, her wife and 94 others in a case pertaining to riots and clashes between the supporters of former ruling party and the law enforcers near Islamabad's D-Chowk last week.

Among those named in the warrants were PTI's Advocate Shoaib Shaheen, Ali Bukhari and Amir Mughal. ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra issued the warrants on the request of police.

At least four security personnel, including three Rangers jawans, and 12 supporters, as claimed by PTI, of the former ruling party lost their lives during the clashes.