ISLAMABAD – Pakistan opposition leaders warned today that authorities would cross a “red line” if they arrested former prime minister Imran Khan after he was reported under the anti-terrorism act for comments he made about the judiciary.
Since being ousted by a vote of no confidence in April, Khan has held mass rallies across the country, warning state institutions including the military not to back the coalition government led by his long-time political rival Shehbaz Sharif.
Hundreds of people gathered outside Khan’s house today – ostensibly to prevent police from reaching him – but the former leader has been fighting a raft of charges for months and has so far not been arrested.
“Wherever you are, reach Bani Gala today and show solidarity with Imran Khan,” tweeted former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, referring to Khan’s home.
“Imran Khan is our red line.”
A First Information Report was filed with police yesterday – the first step of a process that could lead to formal charges and arrest.
There was a low-key police presence outside Khan’s residence today, with around 500 party supporters gathered in the affluent suburb.
Muhammad Ayub said he had travelled overnight from Peshawar in the northwest to show support for Khan.
“We will protest and will block roads if Khan is arrested,” he told AFP.
In a statement, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) said the latest accusations against him were “frivolous”.
“We have serious reservations on this politically motivated move which leads towards further instability in the country,” it said.
On Saturday he criticised a magistrate responsible for keeping a PTI official in police custody, after party leaders say he was tortured in detention.
Khan’s main goal is an early general election – the next one must be held before October next year – but the government has shown no sign of wanting to go to the polls as it grapples with major economic problems.
Khan swept into power in 2018 thanks to an electorate weary of the dynastic politics of the country’s two major parties, with the former cricket star promising to sweep away decades of entrenched corruption and cronyism.
But under his rule the country’s economy went into free fall, and the International Monetary Fund suspended a US$6 billion (RM26.91 million) loan programme that the new government has only just gotten back on track.
Khan also lost the support of the military.
Over the weekend, Pakistan’s media watchdog banned television channels from broadcasting live addresses by Khan, saying he was “spreading hate speech”.
“His provocative statements against state institutions and officers...is likely to disturb public peace and tranquillity,” the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority said. – AFP, August 22, 2022
