Imran Khan accused in Rangers' deaths case in Islamabad
Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan was booked in a murder case in connection with the death of paramilitary personnel who were run over by a speeding vehicle on the Srinagar Highway last week during a protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Khan already incarcerated in Adiala Jail on various charges. With this case, Khan becomes the second former prime minister of Pakistan to face murder accusations, joining Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) founder. Bhutto was charged with murder in November 1974 and was ultimately executed in 1979 after being ousted by military ruler General Ziaul Haq.
According to police reports, the First Information Report (FIR) alleges that the vehicle's driver, under directives from Imran Khan and other PTI leaders, intentionally targeted the Rangers' personnel. The collision resulted in the death of three personnel and injuries to two others.
Legal experts and prosecution sources have suggested, however, that the incident might be more accurately categorized as a road accident rather than premeditated murder. They argue that the FIR should have been filed under Section 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which deals with accidental deaths, instead of Section 302, which pertains to murder. They further noted that murder charges could only be substantiated if the investigation uncovers conclusive evidence of intent to kill.
This is not the first time Khan has faced such allegations. In June 2023, he was implicated in the murder of Advocate Abdul Razzaq Shar in Balochistan. However, he was discharged from the case in August of the same year.
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