Amid intense drama on the streets of Lahore over attempts to take Imran Khan into custody, the former Pakistan Prime Minister claimed on Wednesday that the “true objective” of Pakistan Police is to ‘kidnap’ and ‘assassinate’ him and that the arrest plot was “just farce.”
As his followers thwarted police attempts to arrest him outside of his Lahore home, the head of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf made the serious accusation in a Twitter post. The uniformed men were attacked with stones, and they retaliated with water cannons.
The police have requested reinforcements as the altercation between his followers and them goes on.
Khan posted images of gunshot casings on Twitter today and said that they demonstrate the “mala fide intent” of the cops.
Clearly "arrest" claim was mere drama because real intent is to abduct & assassinate. From tear gas & water cannons, they have now resorted to live firing. I signed a surety bond last evening, but the DIG refused to even entertain it. There is no doubt of their mala fide intent. pic.twitter.com/5LZtZE8Ies
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 15, 2023
Because the true purpose is to kidnap and assassinate, it is obvious that the “arrest” story was theatre. They have switched to live firing from tear gas and water guns. Last night, I put my name on a surety bond, but the DIG wouldn’t even look at it. There is no question about their malicious purpose, he continued.
He criticised the “Establishment” for using paramilitary forces to subdue his supporters and questioned “those who pretend they are neutral” for taking such a position. ” Are unarmed protestors and the leadership of the main political party being immediately confronted by Rangers in the face of an illegal warrant and a court case your concept of neutrality? when government thugs attempted to kidnap & perhaps kill him?, “He queried.
The legendary cricketer-turned-politician, 70, is sought after in the Toshakhana corruption case. He was found guilty of selling gifts he acquired from foreign dignitaries while serving as prime minister by Pakistan’s election commission in October of last year. Then, after Khan disregarded his summons, charges were brought against him in a corruption-prevention court, which last week issued an arrest warrant.
After his demand for them to “come out,” Khan’s fans took to the streets in Islamabad, Peshawar, and Karachi.
After our workers & ldrship faced police onslaught since yesterday morning of tear gas, cannons with chemical water, rubber bullets & live bullets this morning; we now have Rangers taking over & are now in direct confrontation with the people. My question to the Establishment,
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 15, 2023
“The police are here to take me into custody. They think that if Imran Khan goes to jail, the masses will go to slumber. You must disprove their claims.
You must demonstrate the qaum’s (people’s) viability “Last night, he stated in a video message.
“To defend your rights, you must take to the streets. Imran Khan has received everything from God. I am engaged in your conflict. I’ve fought my entire life and will do so in the future. But you have to demonstrate that you can fight even without Imran Khan, in case something happens to me and they imprison or kill me “Added he.
Khan has also said that the intention to arrest him is part of the “London plan”. “This is a part of the London plot, and there was an agreement made to imprison Imran, bring down the PTI, and settle all cases.
After being removed from office as prime minister last year, Khan has pushed for immediate elections. Shehbaz Sharif, his successor, has turned down the demand.
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