Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi named in 8 new cases after PTI's protest

• Cases name Bushra Bibi, Gandapur, Salman Raja, Waqas Akram.
• Charges of terrorism, assault on police, abduction included in FIRs.
• FIRs follow PM's resolve to rid country of politics of agitation.

A day after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) much-hyped protest fizzled out, Islamabad police have registered eight cases against the party's leaders and workers, including its founder Imran Khan.

The federal capital police's step came hours after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for "tough decisions" to rid the country of politics of agitation and ensure stability.

"We have to decide whether we save Pakistan or allow sit-ins to take place," the prime minister said while addressing the federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The cases were registered at various police stations, including Shahzad Town, Sihala, Khanna, Shams Colony, Noon, Nilore, Tarnol, and Bani Gala. The recently lodged FIRs named Bushra Bibi and the PTI's central leadership, including Ali Amin Gandapur, Salman Akram Raja and Sheikh Waqas Akram, among others.

Besides the party's local leadership, thousands of individuals are also named in these cases.

The cases include charges of terrorism, assault on police, violation of Section 144, abduction, and interference in government operations.

The former ruling party's "do-or-die" protest, which started on November 24 saw clashes between its supporters and law enforcers, closure of roads and educational institutions. The protest abruptly came to an end in the wee hours of Wednesday following a crackdown by security forces.

The operation by law enforcers dispersed the protesters with Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi running back to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The recent protest was the latest effort by the PTI's months-long campaign to secure Imran Khan's release who has been behind bars in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail in various cases for more than a year now.