Pakistan is confused… Supporters of ex-Prime Minister besieged his home and clashed with police

Clashes that started yesterday between supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and police in Pakistan continue today.

According to national media reports, protests continued overnight across the country against the police detention of former Prime Minister Khan, who was ordered to arrest him for failing to attend hearings in the case for which he was tried.

In the clashes in Lahore, 33 policemen have been injured so far and many protesters have been detained. In addition to the police, paramilitary units were also sent around the home of Han, who resides in the Zaman Park area.

REAL BULLET CLAIM

Pakistan Justice Movement Party (PTI) leader Khan, in a statement on Twitter, claimed that police used a water cannon and fired tear gas at his house. Khan claimed that he wanted to be sent to prison and that the court decisions on former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif were clarified and an attempt was made to bring him into the country.

Arguing that the security forces used real bullets, Han shared photos of empty cartridges on Twitter. Khan suggested that the real intention of the government was his capture and assassination.

PTI Police Chief Osman Anvar warned PTI supporters that they would take drastic action if the violence continued.

In his statement on Twitter, President Arif Alvi expressed regret for what happened and criticized the government for preferring “weak priorities” instead of dealing with the economic situation. Alvi stated that he is concerned for the safety of Imran Khan.

THE CRISIS THAT SHAPED THE COUNTRY

Hearings were held at the Islamabad District Court on 13 March in two cases in which Khan was prosecuted for allegedly selling gifts from foreign dignitaries while prime minister and threatening a female judge in August 2022. Warrants were issued Separate arrest warrants for Han, who did not attend both hearings.

Lahore Police Chief Bilal Kumyana told reporters that police were tasked with arresting Khan in accordance with the court’s decision.

In Pakistan, in the motion of no confidence held in parliament on April 10, 2022, the government of Imran Khan fell with 174 votes in favor. Shahbaz Sharif, brother of Nawaz Sharif, who served as prime minister for three terms in the country, was elected prime minister with the support of an absolute majority with 174 votes in the elections held in Parliament on April 11. (AA)