PTI Files FIR Against PM Shehbaz Over Protester Deaths

In a significant escalation of tensions between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the current government, the PTI has announced its intention to file First Information Reports (FIRs) against several high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This decision follows a violent crackdown on PTI protesters in Islamabad, which resulted in the deaths of several party workers. The protest was part of a larger movement aimed at securing the release of Imran Khan, the party's founder, who has been imprisoned for over a year.

During a press conference in Peshawar, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram expressed the party's outrage over the government's actions. He stated, "The government has been trying to conceal the facts and whoever is coming forward to expose them is being arrested." Akram emphasized that the PTI would hold PM Shehbaz, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accountable for the deaths of protesters, which the party claims range from eight to 40 fatalities.

The situation escalated when nearly 1,000 PTI workers were reportedly arrested during the late-night crackdown at D-Chowk in Islamabad. The PTI has accused the government of using excessive force, claiming that many protesters were shot at, while the government has denied these allegations, asserting that there were no fatalities during the dispersal of the crowd.

Akram further claimed that the PTI possesses video evidence showing the number of bullets fired during the protest. He alleged that at least 12 individuals were killed on the spot, and their bodies were not returned to their families. He accused the government of pressuring Polyclinic Hospital in Islamabad to conceal the names of the deceased and injured protesters.

In addition to the legal actions being planned, Akram criticized the Punjab government for allegedly vandalizing the residences of provincial MNAs. He also condemned the proposed imposition of governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, labeling it as "the worst of stupidities." Furthermore, he announced that the PTI would seek a ban on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in response to the Balochistan Assembly's resolution against the PTI.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has called for the urgent compilation of a list of PTI workers who have gone missing or have died during the recent protests. He assured that once these lists are finalized, the families of the deceased would receive compensation of Rs10 million each. Gandapur also stated that the PTI's legal team would prepare the necessary documentation to lodge FIRs against law enforcement agencies for allegedly targeting peaceful protesters.

As the political landscape in Pakistan continues to shift, the PTI remains steadfast in its commitment to its supporters. Gandapur reiterated, "Our party workers are assets who have stood firm against unprecedented persecution to secure their leader Khan's freedom. We will never leave them alone during this difficult period." This situation highlights the ongoing struggle for political power in Pakistan and raises questions about the future of democratic processes in the country.

The unfolding events surrounding the PTI's protests and the government's response reflect a deepening divide in Pakistan's political arena. As both sides prepare for a potential legal battle, the implications of these actions will likely resonate throughout the nation, influencing public sentiment and the political landscape for years to come. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of peaceful protest and the need for accountability in governance.