An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in connection with a case involving violence against police during a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest held in Lahore on October 5th.
The ATC also issued arrest warrants for three other PTI leaders — Hammad Azhar, Saeed Sindhu, and Shehbaz Ahmed — for failing to join the investigation despite repeated police summons.
Police stated that the named individuals were wanted in cases related to the October 5th protest last year, during which PTI workers allegedly attacked law enforcement personnel.
According to police officials, the PTI leaders had been nominated in multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) and were summoned on several occasions to join the investigation, but failed to comply.
On September 30th, PTI founder Imran Khan called for a series of protests in support of the judiciary and against a proposed judicial package, starting in Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, and Mianwali on October 2nd.
The incarcerated PTI founding chairman also announced that PTI workers would gather at Islamabad’s D-Chowk on October 4th and at Lahore’s Minar-e-Pakistan on October 5th.
During these protests, particularly in Lahore and Islamabad, the situation became tense as violent clashes occurred between political supporters and police officials.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reported on October 5th that more than 80 police personnel had been injured in clashes with supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Khan, who were participating in a march near Islamabad.
On the other hand, Lahore witnessed intense clashes between PTI activists and police as political unrest escalated across the city.
The confrontations resulted in dozens of injuries, including both protesters and police personnel. The unrest, triggered by a PTI-led protest, quickly intensified as law enforcement used tear gas to disperse demonstrators at several key locations, including Awan-e-Adal, Badami Bagh, and Sheranwala Gate. Despite a heavy police presence, many protesters resisted efforts to clear the areas.
