Violent protests erupt in Pakistan following arrest of former PM Imran Khan

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan's arrest on Tuesday has sparked violent clashes between security forces and his supporters in Pakistan.

Ekleme: 10.05.2023 05:55:05 / Güncelleme: 10.05.2023 05:55:05 / English News
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Khan was forcefully apprehended by security forces at the High Court in Islamabad, as shown in dramatic footage of him being taken away in a vehicle. He was facing corruption charges in court, which he claims are politically motivated.

The interior ministry responded to the protests by ordering the suspension of mobile data services, further fueling the demonstrations, especially near army compounds.

In response to Khan's arrest, his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called on its supporters to take to the streets, resulting in violence in cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar. In Islamabad, protesters blocked a major highway, engaging in destructive activities and clashes with law enforcement.

The suspension of internet, cable TV, and mobile phone services following Khan's arrest caused panic, confusion, and fear among citizens, leading to violent protests in Karachi and parts of Sindh. PTI supporters gathered at various locations in Karachi, and their party headquarters on Sharea Faisal became a battleground.

Imran Khan, aged 72, was removed from power through a parliamentary no-confidence vote the previous year. Since then, he has spearheaded a widely supported movement against the current government led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Khan maintains that the government, in collaboration with the military, conspired to oust him from office.

Numerous legal cases have been filed against Khan, resulting in multiple arrest warrants and clashes between his supporters and the authorities. He vehemently denies the corruption allegations leveled against him during his tenure, asserting that they are politically motivated. (ILKHA)