PTI Leaders, Including Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and Ali Amin Gandapur, Face Terrorism Charges Over D-Chowk Protest

Rawalpindi: Multiple Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including party chairman Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, former President Arif Alvi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and several other senior party figures, have been named in new terrorism-related cases. The cases stem from violent protests and clashes with the police during PTI’s demonstration in Islamabad.
According to reports, a total of 8 terrorism-related cases have been filed against the PTI leadership, including charges of terrorism, assault on police officers, obstruction of government operations, violation of assembly laws, and incitement of public violence. The cases are filed under various sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Pakistan Penal Code, and other relevant laws.
The incidents occurred on October 26, when PTI supporters blocked roads and engaged in violent protests at the Faizabad interchange in Islamabad. Protesters reportedly burned tires, obstructed traffic, and clashed with police. During the confrontation, a police vehicle was shot at, with two bullets hitting the official car. Police retaliated with tear gas and arrested 77 PTI activists at the scene.
The FIR (First Information Report) lists several top PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Ali Amin Gandapur, Umar Ayub, Hammad Azhar, Asad Qaiser, Arif Alvi, and Khurshid Khan, among others, as prime suspects in the case. The charges also mention several unknown individuals and local leaders who participated in the protest.
According to the FIR, on November 22, during a meeting with party supporters in Adiala Jail, Imran Khan allegedly encouraged his followers to escalate the protest in Islamabad. Bushra Bibi is accused of inciting violence through social media posts that further fueled the unrest.
In addition to the charges in Islamabad, a fourth case has been filed in Rawalpindi’s Sadiqabad Police Station, also under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The new charges include attempted murder, interfering with police duties, and other sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. The case alleges that PTI protesters were involved in obstructing traffic, attacking police officers with sticks and stones, and looting equipment from police personnel.
The authorities have seized several vehicles used by the protesters, along with weapons, including a Motorola wireless set, tear gas shells, sticks, and slingshots. In total, the police arrested dozens of PTI workers and confiscated evidence of violence, while accusing the PTI leadership of masterminding the illegal assembly and inciting public disorder.
The legal proceedings have intensified the political rift between the ruling government and PTI, with many party leaders denouncing the charges as politically motivated. However, the state continues to press for accountability, citing the public safety threat posed by the violent protests.