Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, was arrested during a court appearance in Islamabad today.
The arrest has sparked countrywide protests. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party supporters took to the streets in all major cities. If an arrest warrant was presented, Khan had stated that he was willing to go to jail. He claimed there was no case against him. However, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah says Khan was arrested for damaging the country’s state depository. This was in reference to corruption charges against the former prime minister.
Khan’s spokesman, Raoof Hasan, has called the arrest a violation of all laws. He added that Khan was taken away before his hearing could begin. Fawad Chaudhry, a PTI leader, has called the arrest an ‘abduction’. He claimed that a group of unknown people whisked away Khan to an unknown location.
Protests have erupted in all major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds. Videos posted on PTI’s social media accounts showed police firing tear gas at protesters in Karachi.
The arrest of Imran Khan, a popular figure in Pakistan, has sparked concerns about a crackdown on political opposition in the country. The international community has called for Khan’s immediate release. The use of force against protesters has raised concerns among many.
The situation in Pakistan remains tense with further protests expected in the coming days.