- The KP CM was arrested on 13 charges, including attempt to murder.
- Two policemen injured in violent incident by Gandapur-led mob.
- A mob tried to burn vehicles parked at the toll plaza, says FIR.
LAHORE: The Lahore Police have registered a case against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur under 13 provisions, including the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), for resorting to violence near the Sialkot Interchange while he was on his way to the provincial capital to attend the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) power show on September 21, which the government termed a failure.
The party founded by Imran Khan held a public rally in Lahore, which came to an abrupt end after police stormed the stage, switched off the microphone and lights, forcing PTI chairman Advocate Gohar Ali Khan and other party leaders to leave.
Police and district administration swung into action after the PTI rally exceeded the 6 pm deadline specified in the no-objection certificate (NOC).
'Firebrand' Gandapur, who was leading a convoy from KP, did not reach the venue before the deadline. However, he managed to reach the venue and briefly addressed party workers and supporters.
Their convoy reportedly includes 1,122 rescue ambulances and heavy machinery to remove any obstacles in their path.
Later, videos surfaced on social media showing the KP chief minister breaking the window of a truck with his rifle.
A first information report (FIR) was subsequently registered at Manawa police station and Gandapur was charged with 13 offences, including attempt to murder.
The FIR claimed that the chief executive was leading an armed mob at Sialkot Interchange, alleging that the mob tried to set ablaze the vehicles, parked at the toll plaza, on the orders of the politician.
According to the FIR, an armed mob resisted the police with an AK-47, while CM Gandapur, Shahid Khatak and others moved forward during the riot. Amid the carnage, two policemen were also injured, the FIR added.
The development came a day after Gandapur categorically refused to apologise for his “vitriol” during the Islamabad rally on September 8, stating: “I do not have to apologise for any wrongdoing, nor am I a slave of the Punjab government or anyone else.”
“Why should I apologize and for what reason, when this apology thing is being repeated again and again?” CM Gandapur slammed while addressing PTI workers via video link. “They should apologize to me and also for arresting the party founder Imran Khan.”
He then announced that his party will hold its next public meeting in Mianwali next Sunday, followed by a power show in Rawalpindi.
