Lahore Police has registered a case against 38 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and leaders for alleged arson and vandalism on Mall Road during a recent protest. The FIR (First Information Report), lodged at Anarkali police station, accuses PTI leaders and workers, including Hafiz Farhat Abbas, Fawzia, Hadira, and Hamida Bibi, of serious offenses under Pakistan's penal code. These charges include terrorism, kidnapping, obstructing government functioning, and harassment. The FIR alleges that Hafiz Farhat Abbas incited violence, urging workers to damage public property and set fires.

It further accuses PTI workers of damaging government vehicles. The report details that Hafiz Farhat Abbas, along with unidentified accomplices, opened fire during the protest, damaging a police vehicle. The FIR also accuses Abbas and his associates of assaulting a police constable, attempting to kidnap him in Istanbul Square, and tearing his uniform. Police claim to have recovered a pistol, batons, and rods from the 42 accused belong to PTI. This development comes amidst ongoing political tensions in Pakistan. PTI's response to the FIR is not yet known.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)