By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Former Prime Minister Imran Khan faces escalating legal challenges as authorities registered 14 new cases against him in Islamabad, bringing the total number of cases against him to 130 across the federal capital and Punjab province.

The charges, ranging from incitement to violence to corruption, have intensified political tensions in Pakistan and further complicated Khan’s efforts to mount a political comeback.

According to officials, the latest cases include allegations of public disorder, hate speech, and violation of laws governing protests.

The charges are linked to recent political rallies and statements Khan made against the military, which his critics claim incited unrest and undermined national institutions.

Police in Islamabad have confirmed that several of the new cases stem from the former prime minister after his party organized protest in Islamabad.

With these new cases, the total number of legal complaints against Imran Khan now stands at 130, including cases registered in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and other parts of Punjab. The charges span a wide array of allegations, including contempt of court, terrorism, and misuse of power during his tenure as prime minister.

Khan has denied all allegations, describing the cases as politically motivated attempts to silence his opposition to the current government. "This is not about justice; it is about persecution," Khan said in a statement. "The regime fears the voice of the people, and they are using the judiciary and police to crush dissent."

The barrage of cases against Khan has amplified political polarization in the country. His supporters view the legal campaign as part of a systematic crackdown by the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. PTI officials have called the cases a "witch hunt" and vowed to fight the charges in court.

Meanwhile, government officials argue that Khan’s actions warrant accountability, emphasizing that the cases are based on legitimate evidence.