Imran Khan Arrested in Corruption Case: Protests Erupt Across Pakistan

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Khan’s Arrest Sends Shockwaves Through Pakistan’s Political Landscape

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Imran Khan, was arrested on Tuesday outside the Islamabad High Court in relation to a corruption case. The arrest was broadcasted on local TV channels, showing Khan being manhandled by paramilitary rangers before being taken away in an armored car. This comes after several unsuccessful attempts to apprehend the politician, including a police raid on his residence in Lahore.

PTI has claimed that the charges against Khan are politically motivated, including allegations of corruption, terrorism, and rioting, which have been unfolding since he was ousted from power in a no-confidence vote last year. Following Khan’s arrest, his party officials released a pre-recorded video in which he urged supporters to support “true freedom,” stating that “fundamental rights in Pakistan have been buried.”

Khan’s arrest has led to protests across Pakistan, with thousands of supporters taking to the streets in several cities. However, some of these protests turned violent, with PTI workers attacking military installations and vehicles. However, there are talks on the street that these attacks were orchestrated to paint Khan’s supporters in a bad light. At least one PTI worker was killed in Quetta, while hundreds of PTI activists blocked the main Kashmir Highway in Islamabad, suspending traffic on either side of the road.

PTI leaders have criticized the authorities for holding Khan in custody and have alleged that government elements were involved in the attacks on military sites. They have also questioned why Khan’s lawyers and senior leadership were not allowed to meet him.

Despite arrests of several top leaders of Imran Khan’s party, protests in Pakistan against Imran Khan’s arrest are becoming bigger and more violent! pic.twitter.com/uuGaOYAXAq

— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) May 10, 2023

Khan’s arrest comes amid an economic and political crisis in Pakistan, with his party pressuring the struggling coalition government for early elections. However, the arrest of such a high-profile politician is likely to exacerbate the political instability in the country further. As the situation remains precarious, what the future holds for Imran Khan and his party in Pakistan’s turbulent political landscape remains to be seen.