Claims of Armed Presence and Govt Resource Use Surface During PTI Long March

The PTI long march has faced claims of government resources being used and armed individuals being present among the participants, despite an Islamabad High Court order.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister reached Lakki Marwat in a government helicopter to join the long march, despite the court’s directions.

The Islamabad High Court had issued a 37-page detailed ruling on September 18 regarding the PTI long march. The court had clearly directed provincial governments, including chief ministers, not to use government resources for political marches or protests.

The court said government funds, vehicles, helicopters, officials or machinery should not be used for any march or political protest heading towards Islamabad. It also said peaceful protest is a constitutional right, but carrying weapons is not allowed.

According to intelligence sources, pictures circulating on social and digital media show armed individuals carrying assault rifles among PTI long march participants.

The sources said one of the individuals seen carrying a weapon has been identified as Kharji Shahidullah alias Ghazi, a member of the Gul Bahadur group. According to the sources, Shahidullah alias Ghazi is a resident of Makeen and has been involved in several terrorist attacks.

Intelligence sources said efforts are underway to identify other suspected terrorists allegedly hiding among the march participants.

The report also said that despite court orders, PTI workers had previously been involved in violent activities, including the display and use of weapons, particularly during the 2024 protest.

According to the report, four Rangers personnel were killed, while 66 police officers and 36 civilians were injured during violence involving armed protesters in the 2024 PTI protest.