Widespread protests erupted across Pakistan following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday, as he appeared before the Islamabad High Court for one of the many cases pending since his removal from power last year.
Demonstrators took to the streets in major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad, and Peshawar, leading to clashes with the police.
Read: PTI Chief Imran Khan Arrested at Islamabad Judicial Complex
Authorities used tear gas and water cannons to disperse Khan supporters in Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad. In response to the arrest, PTI called on supporters to “shut down Pakistan,” leading to further unrest, including damage to public property and burning police vehicles in cities like Charsadda, Karachi, and Lahore.
Past attempts to arrest Khan at his Lahore residence resulted in violent confrontations between his supporters and law enforcement personnel. PTI supporters vowed to continue protesting and fighting for his release after his arrest.
Khan, who has faced numerous charges since his ousting, could be barred from holding public office if convicted, excluding him from elections later this year. Analysts believe the charges against Khan are part of a broader strategy that successive Pakistani governments employ to silence their opponents.
In response to Khan’s arrest, PTI’s central leadership and emergency committee members will meet to discuss their future course of action.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested Khan in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, in which he and others are accused of embezzling Rs60 billion. The case has drawn widespread attention and sparked further political unrest in Pakistan.
