Pakistan is descending into chaos and mayhem as mass protests are being witnessed across the country against the arrest of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan. There is every possibility that given the chaotic conditions, violence and disorder, the Pakistan Army may be readying itself to impose Martial Law once again in the country.
The unruly scenes from across the country show political instability will ultimately lead to economic collapse of Pakistan. The country is slipping into one of its darkest chapters as Imran Khan’s supporters are fearing for his life. Pakistan is revisiting its past where beheadings, murders, killings of opponents have been the norm.
There are reports that Islamabad High Court in Pakistan during a late night hearing has termed arrest of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan legal and in accordance with the law. This means there is no relief for Imran Khan and he is being airlifted to an ISI safe house.
Pakistan Intelligence Agency ISI head quarter is under attack by violent mob, who are angry after Imran Khan’s arrest. Pakistan Army has even fired at the public and many people are reported to be critically injured.
Protests intensified in several cities in Pakistan after former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan was arrested while he was present at the Islamabad High Court for the hearing of a corruption case on Tuesday. In unprecedented scenes, PTI supporters subsequently stormed the Pakistan Army headquarters in Rawalpindi and the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore, according to local media reports.
One of the videos circulating on the net shows Imran khan supporters raiding Pak Army corps commander’s house and stealing stuff. They also stole strawberries as many Pakistanis are seeing strawberries for the first time. One Pakistani tweeted, “Imagine when civilians are dying in Aattaa queues, Generals enjoying imported foods”.
The arrest of Imran Khan has led to a call from his party for nationwide protests, presenting another blow to the nuclear-armed country struggling with an economic crisis.
Khan has been arrested in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case, in which the former prime minister and his wife have been accused of receiving “billions of rupees from a real estate firm for legalising a laundered amount of Rs 50 billion”, Dawn reported. The former PM has been facing a clutch of cases since his ouster through a no trust vote in April last year. At present, he is facing over 140 cases related to terrorism, blasphemy, murder, violence, inciting to violence. However, he has rejected all these cases as political victimisation by the ruling alliance.
A video showing a swarm of paramilitary personnel surrounding Imran Khan and whisking him away to a vehicle has gone viral on social media. Imran Khan’s party also shared the video, alleging he was “badly pushed” and “kidnapped”.
Radio Pakistan’s building has been set on fire in Pakistan as chaos erupted after arrest of Imran Khan. Police vehicles have been set on fire in Karachi as the country witnesses violent protests. Supporters of Imran Khan have entered the compound of the army commanders’ residence in Lahore. Media reports said they have also entered the army headquarters in Rawalpindi.
See Also: https://indiadiplomacy.in/imran-khan-episode-exposes-fragility-of-pakistans-democracy/
