Pakistani police have levied multiple charges against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife, and others for inciting violence, officials said on Thursday, following days of protests and clashes that resulted in at least six deaths and many injuries.
The charges stem from demonstrations across the country in which supporters of Khan took to the streets.
Bushra Bibi, Khan's wife, led thousands of protesters from Pakistan's northwest to march toward the capital Islamabad in a demand for his release.
Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023, is facing over 150 legal cases, which his supporters claim are politically motivated.
On Tuesday, police conducted a raid to disperse the demonstrators. Bibi, who was out on bail in a corruption case, fled the scene.
Violence Erupts as Clashes Continue
The protests, particularly concentrated in Islamabad, resulted in severe violence. At least six people, including four security personnel, were killed when a vehicle ran into them. Islamabad police have attributed the deaths to Khan's supporters.
Demonstrators clashed with security forces, leading to the arrests of nearly 1,000 individuals since Sunday, mostly in and around Islamabad.
Newsweek has reached out Pakistan's National Police Bureau for comment via email.
Charges Under Anti-Terrorism Laws
Police in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi have filed charges against Khan, his wife, and demonstrators under Pakistan's anti-terrorism laws. Authorities accuse them of inciting attacks against security forces and disturbing public peace.
Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), maintains that the charges are politically motivated and plans to continue advocating for his release despite the mounting legal challenges.
Political Unrest Further Disrupts Pakistan's Economy
Also on Thursday, Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told international media that the protesters had "wanted to take over the capital" and some were armed.
Weapons were reportedly confiscated during the raid. Iqbal dismissed claims from PTI that some protesters were killed by police gunfire, stating instead that the rally was not peaceful due to the protesters' use of firearms.
The political unrest affected Pakistan's economy, with the Stock Exchange losing over $1.7 billion on Tuesday, though it rebounded on Thursday, surpassing 100,000 points for the first time, in a positive sign for the country's economy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the stock market's recovery a sign of improvement.
This article includes additional reporting from The Associated Press
English (US) ·