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The police act a day after the Islamabad court issued arrest warrants for Imran Khan in alleged corruption and ‘terrorism’ cases.
Islamabad, Pakistan – Clashes have erupted between Pakistani police and supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan ahead of his possible arrest in the eastern city of Lahore.
Police fired tear gas and water cannons on Tuesday as hundreds of members and supporters of Khan’s Pakistani Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party gathered outside his Zaman Park residence in Lahore.
Television footage showed police approaching Khan’s residence accompanied by an armored vehicle. Khan’s supporters also threw stones at the police.
Syed Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari, a senior officer in the Islamabad Police, told reporters that they planned to arrest Khan.
“We are here to carry out the order and arrest Imran Khan,” he said.
Minutes later, Khan posted a video message on Twitter, saying his supporters should fight for their rights – “for real freedom” – if he is arrested.
“The police are here to send me to jail. They think that if Imran Khan goes to jail, this nation will fall asleep. You have to prove them wrong,” he said in the video.
“(If) something happens to me, if they send me to prison, or if I get killed, you have to show that you can fight without me.”
My message to the nation to stand firm and fight for Haqeeqi Azadi and the rule of law. pic.twitter.com/bgVuOjsmHG
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 14, 2023
Police said earlier that they went to Khan’s home to hand over two arrest warrants in alleged corruption and “terrorism” cases issued by a court in the capital Islamabad on Monday.
One of the arrest warrants relates to 70-year-old Khan, who allegedly threatened a female judge during one of his speeches last year. The other follows allegations that Khan sold state gifts and hidden assets during his tenure as prime minister.
Since losing a vote of confidence in parliament last April, Khan has been demanding general elections in rallies across the country. He says the cases against him are politically motivated.
His successor, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has rejected Khan’s demand for early polls, scheduled for later this year.