The residence of former Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, is reportedly surrounded by law enforcement following the expiration of a 24-hour deadline issued by the Punjab government.
The ultimatum was intended for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to surrender 30-40 suspects allegedly involved in a violent incident on May 9.
Express News reports heavy police deployment around the former premier’s Zaman Park residence, blocking all access roads. PTI worker camps near Zaman Park have been cleared, and road closures are causing significant traffic issues for citizens.
A strong police force was also stationed at Dharampura Bridge, which was sealed off. Following approval from the Punjab government, arrests are anticipated, with operations restricted to designated officers.
PTI’s official Twitter account urged the media to cover the “search operation order given by illegal caretaker government” after the deadline expired. According to Punjab Police, “terrorists” who allegedly attacked military installations on May 9 are believed to be hiding in Zaman Park and must be apprehended.
Read: Punjab Minister Asks Surrender of 30-40 Protestors from PTI Leadership
Imran Khan’s arrest triggered violent acts on May 9, including the torching and vandalism of public and private properties. Prominent targets included military installations such as the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore and General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
According to a provincial minister, the Punjab government requested that PTI surrender the suspects implicated in the May 9 violence allegedly hiding at Zaman Park.
During a press briefing, the caretaker information minister, Amir Mir, warned that the government might take drastic actions if PTI fails to hand over the alleged “terrorists in Zaman Park” to the authorities.
Following the minister’s press conference, the former Prime Minister voiced his concerns on Twitter about a possible re-arrest as his residence was encircled by the police, dubbing the tweet as “probably” his last before his “possible arrest.”
