Islamabad police arrest over 300 PTI protesters over violence during Imran's court appearance
Pakistan
Police say 58 security officials injured during clashes on March 18
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Islamabad police have arrested 316 supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for allegedly attacking law-enforcement personnel and violence in the capital city on March 18 during the appearance of Imran Khan in the Toshakana case.
Hours-long clashes had erupted between PTI workers and the capital police when the former prime minister arrived at the Federal Judicial Complex to attend a hearing in the case. During the violent confrontation, a contingent of law enforcers and PTI supporters used anti-riot gear against each other. Teargas was used to push the PTI supporters back. Several vehicles were torched by PTI supporters. According to FIR, windowpanes were smashed and main gate of the complex was broken.
It further said police arrested the suspects involved in damaging various structures of the building and stones were pelted on law enforcers. Police said two cars and seven motorcycles were torched, besides official vehicles of the Golra Sharif SHO.
In a series of tweets, the capital police said raids were being conducted to arrest other suspect as process to identify them with the help of CCTV footages is ongoing. The suspects who belonged to other districts will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further action, police said, adding that details of government employees involved in the violence were being sent to their relevant departments for an action against them.
Public servants, who were involved in provocative activities on social media, wre being identified so that departmental action could be taken, it said.
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) March 22, 2023
“Letters are being written to the respective foreign embassies of the migrants found involved in these operations. Action is also being initiated against the facilitators who finance the violent protests,” read the tweet.
Police further said 58 officials had been injured in the clashes. “12 vehicles, 20 motorcycles and a police station were set on fire during the protests,” it said.
