Many leaders and workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were hiding due to frequent police raids on their homes, meeting places (hujras), and offices.
However, they have now resurfaced after winning seats in the national and provincial assemblies in the recent general elections.
One such example is Ali Amin Gandapur, a former federal minister nominated for the chief minister position in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by PTI founder Imran Khan. He reappeared at his father’s funeral after facing challenges running his election campaign openly due to previous raids on his hujra and house.
Numerous PTI leaders and workers were wanted by the police and the Anti-Corruption Establishment. Many approached the courts, securing bail, but more cases were filed against them in different districts. Despite road blockades and protests over alleged election rigging, some officers who previously took action against PTI members are now silent.
Changes are expected in bureaucracy and police after the new government is installed. Some newly elected PTI lawmakers have warned police officers who took actions against their party members in recent months. For example, Sher Afzal Marwat, an elected member from Lakki Marwat, plans to ask these police officials to prove charges or face consequences, even suggesting jail time for some senior officers.
In the future, the PTI leaders aim to address alleged injustices done to their members and leaders. The political landscape is evolving, and tensions between the PTI and law enforcement are likely to be a focus as the new government takes shape.