Imran Khan’s arrest has sparked nationwide protests and this resulted in nearly various arrests. Authorities arrested Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, on corruption charges which he denies. The situation became tense and critical for the whole nation.
Imran Khan was arrested on May 9 2023, from outside the Islamabad High Court. NAB issued his arrest warrant. Moreover, the caretaker government alleges that Imran and his wife obtained billions of rupees and land.
Imran Khan’s Arrest and Political Battle
Khan’s arrest has escalated a political battle between him and Pakistan’s powerful military. If convicted, he may be disqualified from standing for the upcoming election.
Supporters argue that the current government has brought these charges to bar him from contesting in the upcoming general elections due in October. Currently, Khan is facing dozens of accusations bearing corruption and sedition, which he claims are politically motivated.
Imran Khan was arrested on corruption charges.
He has previously evaded arrest several times by not appearing in court hearings. The accusations are related to his alleged involvement in various corrupt practices, such as obtaining illicit funding from foreign sources and concealing assets. The sedition charges are related to his criticism of the military’s interference in politics.
Imran Khan’s Arrest and Detainment
The authorities arrested Khan in Islamabad on charges of corruption and sedition. They are currently detaining him at a police guesthouse that serves as a courtroom.
Punjab Rangers carried out the arrest of Khan within the court premises. While, Khan’s supporters considered this action illegal. However, Islamabad’s High Court declared the arrest legal on Tuesday.
Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested in Islamabad.
Imran Khan repeatedly denied the charges against him, describing them as baseless and part of a campaign to suppress opposition voices. He has previously evaded arrest by not appearing in court for hearings. He claimed that he worries about his safety and life.
However, Khan surrendered himself to the authorities and is currently in police custody after they issued a warrant for his arrest.
Nationwide Protests and Disruptions Due to Imran Khan’s Arrest
Imran Khan’s arrest has resulted in nationwide protests and disruptions, with schools closed, highways blocked, and some mobile internet services suspended.
Protests are expected to continue, with some demonstrators planning to march to Islamabad. Also, the PTI supporters called for a nationwide strike.
Several protests broke out in different cities across Pakistan following Imran Khan’s arrest on Tuesday. Pictures show scores of vehicles badly burned in Pakistan’s largest city Karachi after overnight protests.
Imran Khan’s party leaders call for a countrywide shutdown to protest.
Similarly, in Lahore, many citizens came out of their houses and spoke about this critical situation. The protesters gathered outside Khan’s residence and blocked roads while police used water cannons to disperse them.
The government has limited people’s access to social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook. This action comes after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
This situation has caused a critical condition throughout the country. Sources reported that some areas have also experienced complete internet shutdowns in the country.
Institutions Temporarily Closed Due to Imran Khan’s Arrest
Amid the escalating emergency in Pakistan, the Federation for private schools has declared the temporary closure of all private schools in the country on May 10.
The president of the association, All Pakistan Private Schools’ Federation, Kashif Mirza, made this announcement. He cited the need to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Furthermore, in response to the developing situation in Pakistan, the British Council cancelled all General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams scheduled for May 10.
Additionally, the council, which oversees the GCSE exams, announced the cancellation of exams for the morning and afternoon sessions due to the current emergency in the country.
Conclusion
Imran Khan’s arrest has triggered a political crisis in Pakistan. His defenders demand his release and allege that the charges against him are part of a larger political conspiracy to silence opposition voices.
On the other hand, the caretaker government said that Khan would face justice for his alleged wrongdoing. This has led to nationwide protests, with demonstrators blocking roads and burning tires. It would result in disruptions to daily life.
The situation became tense, with both the government and Khan’s supporters digging in their heels. It is unclear how the situation will unfold in the coming days, but the protests are expected to continue until a resolution is reached.
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