Pakistan police file case against 30 PTI members over rally demanding Imran Khan’s release

By our Staff Reporter Dr. Ansab Ali
Rawalpindi, Pakistan — Police in Pakistan have registered a case against 30 leaders and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party after a rally was held in Rawalpindi demanding the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, authorities said on Saturday.

According to local media reports, the rally was organized on Murree Road by the Insaf Youth Wing Rawalpindi District, following instructions from the PTI’s North Punjab leadership. The demonstration was led by District President Malik Talal and General Secretary Anwar Usmani, and attended by North Punjab President Raja Saqib Ali, General Secretary Shuja Abbasi, and Advisor Hanif Abbasi.

Police said participants blocked the main road, waved PTI flags, and violated Section 144, which bans public gatherings in the city. A case was subsequently registered at the Cantonment Police Station, naming several senior PTI figures as accused.

Following the registration of the case, police have begun raids to arrest those involved. According to police sources, video footage circulating on social media will also be used to identify additional suspects.

The PTI has frequently accused authorities of political repression since Imran Khan’s ouster in 2022 and subsequent imprisonment on corruption charges — allegations the government denies.