Amid clashes outside his home, the former Pakistani prime minister released a video message to his supporters and urged them to continue the “fight” even if something were to happen to him in prison.
In the video message, Imran Khan asked his supporters to “stand up with full courage and determination”.
“The police came to arrest me. They think that after I am arrested, the nation will fall asleep. You have to prove them wrong. I am fighting for you and if anything happens to me, if I get killed in prison, you have to prove that the country will continue to fight , do not accept decisions made by one person”, Imran She said.
My message to the nation to remain resolute and fight for Haqeeqi Azadi and the rule of law. https://t.co/bgVuOjsmHG
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) 1678796876000
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Police arrive at Imran Khan’s residence in Lahore to arrest him
A large contingent of police surrounded the residence of ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran on Tuesday Kan in Lahore as the Islamabad police intended to arrest him in the Toshakhana case.
Police blocked all roads leading to Pakistani President Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) house by placing containers and riot control personnel took up positions to launch the operation.
Face to face between Pakistani police, Imran Khan supporters
Pakistani police and Imran Khan’s supporters clashed in front of his house, wounding several on both sides, before his possible arrest. A few hundred supporters of Khan gathered outside the house after a police squad arrived from Islamabad to arrest him on a court order.
Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Pakistan workers started violence, which injured several police officials, government spokesman Amir Mir he told Reuters
“If Imran Khan secures his presence in court, that will be fine, otherwise the law will take its course,” he added.
Police use water cannon and tear gas on Imran Khan supporters; Islamabad DIG injured
Police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse supporters of ousted Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, who rallied to prevent his arrest. Television footage showed police slowly approaching Khan’s Zaman Park residence behind an armored vehicle that was dispersing his supporters with a water cannon.
His supporters threw stones at the policemen. Both Khan’s party employees and policemen were injured.
‘Police at the service of the legal process’
Islamabad Deputy Inspector General (DIG) (Operations) Shahzad Bukhari – wearing riot gear – told reporters that officials had arrived to take the PTI chief into custody as there were outstanding arrest warrants.
He said police had arrived to “serve the legal process,” adding that he expected others to cooperate with officials on this matter, Dawn said.
(With agency input)
