Imran Khan likely to face legal heat for ‘inciting anti-state sentiment’
- Criminal case to be lodged under sections of Pakistan Penal Code.
- Interior ministry tasked with preparing summary for federal cabinet.
- Cabinet to approve whether action against Khan should be initiated.
ISLAMABAD: Another criminal case is likely to add to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s legal woes as the federal government has reportedly decided to initiate a major action against the former prime minister.
The said case will be registered against the already incarcerated politician under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on charges of fuelling an anti-state sentiment and inciting people to revolt against state and institutions through social media, The News reported.
The decision was taken after an inquiry conducted by the Federal Investigation’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing against the PTI founder.
Sources said that the approval to initiate action against Khan will be given by the federal cabinet, for which, the Ministry of Interior has been tasked with preparing a summary.
After the approval of the federal cabinet, the government plans to try Khan in a special anti-terrorism court (ATC).
Sources said action will be initiated against the former premier under Chapters 6 and 9A of PPC and other relevant sections.
Approval of the federal cabinet is a necessary requirement for filing a complaint under Section 196 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and taking action against the accused for various crimes.
It may be noted that the cricketer-turned-politician is already facing multiple cases under similar charges for the incidents of violence during the PTI protests.
Last month, the supporters of the jailed former PM thronged to Islamabad, demanding his release from the prison, on his call and defied the restrictions and obstacles imposed by the government to keep the protesters out of the capital territory and Red Zone.
In this course, the protesters allegedly resorted to violence, which resulted in the deaths of at least three Rangers and two police personnel, and significant damage to state and public property.
