Khan was arrested on corruption and embezzlement prices — allegations he’s denied and says are politically motivated.
Supporters of Imran Khan took to the streets of Pakistan nationwide in indignant protest Tuesday after the previous Prime Minister was arrested on corruption and embezzlement prices — allegations the champion cricketer turned progressive politician has denied and says are politically motivated.
The protests erupted in varied cities — together with Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Lahore — clashed with police who used water cannons and tear fuel in an effort to regulate the crowds.
In Islamabad for a scheduled courtroom look over the allegations, Khan was taken into custody upon his arrival. Video footage confirmed him being taken away by a throng of police in riot gear and positioned into an armored car.
According to the Washington Submit:
Khan’s arrest comes after days of mounting public dispute between the previous prime minister, who was ousted from his workplace final 12 months, the present authorities, and the nation’s highly effective navy. Khan had just lately accused a senior officer of getting been a part of an assassination try in opposition to him final 12 months, which he narrowly survived.
The previous prime minister’s celebration stated there have been political motives behind the arrest linked to the present authorities below Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Khan’s supporters say the federal government is appearing undemocratically, having repeatedly sought to delay key regional votes this 12 months after Khan carried out above expectations in by-elections final October.
Pakistan’s Inside Minister Rana Sanaullah informed reporters that Khan’s arrest was “in accordance with the legislation” and ordered by Nationwide Accountability Bureau (NAB). “NAB is an impartial establishment and now we have by no means tried to regulate it,” Sanaullah defined.
In a video message filmed hours forward of his arrival in Islamabad — and launched by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) celebration simply previous to his arrest — Khan stated he was ready for no matter got here subsequent.
Talking in Urdu, Khan stated the explanations behind his potential arrest have been twofold. “One,” he stated, “to cease me from campaigning” when new elections are introduced. And two, he added, “to restrain me from mobilizing the folks for a vigorous mass motion in help of the Structure,” which he says has been violated by his political opponents and the ruling authorities.
“Come to me with warrants, my attorneys might be there,” Kahn says within the video. “If you wish to ship me to jail, I’m ready for it.”
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