Lahore police have filed charges against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, citing 13 provisions, including the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The charges stem from an incident of violence near the Sialkot Interchange on September 21 as Gandapur headed to Lahore for a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) event, which authorities deemed unsuccessful.
The PTI, founded by Imran Khan, organized a rally in Lahore that ended abruptly when police intervened. They shut down the audio and lights, prompting PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and other leaders to depart.
Authorities took action after the rally exceeded its permitted time based on the conditions of the no-objection certificate.
Gandapur, known for his dynamic approach, led a convoy from KP but reached the venue after the deadline. He managed a brief address to the attendees.
His convoy included emergency services and equipment intended to clear any obstructions.
Social media later showed videos of Gandapur using his rifle to break a truck’s window.
Following these events, a first information report (FIR) was issued at Manawa Police Station, charging him under multiple provisions, including attempted murder.
The FIR detailed Gandapur leading an armed group at Sialkot Interchange, attempting to torch vehicles at the toll plaza on his command.
It also claimed the mob resisted police efforts using an AK-47, with Gandapur and Shahid Khatak advancing amid the chaos, resulting in injuries to two policemen.
This follows Gandapur’s refusal to apologize for his remarks at a September 8 rally in Islamabad, where he asserted his independence from the Punjab government and others.
He questioned the repeated demands for an apology and criticized the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, suggesting those responsible should apologize instead.
Gandapur announced upcoming PTI gatherings in Mianwali and Rawalpindi, continuing his campaign.
