Imran Khan’s party calls for nationwide shutdown after arrest | World News

Pakistan is bracing for another day of violence that erupted in many cities after former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested on suspicion of corruption, with party leaders announcing nationwide strikes on Wednesday in protest against the fascist government.

Paramilitary rangers ham-handed the 70-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician on Tuesday, breaking into a room at the Islamabad High Court where he had come to attend a corruption case, on orders from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Hearings.

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The court later ruled that the arrest of the head of the Pakistan Tehreek Movement (PTI) was legal but the manner of arrest was illegal and decided against islamabad police Chief and Minister of Home Affairs.

The PTI leadership strongly condemned the arrest of party chairman Khan and announced a nationwide strike on Wednesday. They also called on the nation to take to the streets against “rising fascism”, telling supporters that a “make or break moment” had come, according to Dawn newspaper.

As news of Khan’s arrest spread online, protests erupted across the country, with his supporters armed with batons targeting security agency facilities, including the Pakistan Army General Command.

They are ignoring Article 144 which prohibits assembly in Punjab, Balochistan And the main districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Some of the worst violence and destruction were reported in Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi and Rawalpindi.

PTI claimed overnight that at least two of its workers were killed and dozens were injured in clashes with law enforcement agencies.

Geo News reported that at least three people were killed in the clashes and several properties and vehicles were destroyed.

NAB authorities have said they will appear in court on Wednesday for Khan to be remanded in custody over alleged involvement in more than ¥The treasury lost 50 billion.

this Islamabad Hearings in his case will be held in a heavily guarded cordoned area of ​​the capital, not the Islamabad District Court building, police said. The commissioner’s office designated the police line as a temporary court by circular.

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Police announced that while Khan appeared in court, security services would be on high alert, allowing only relevant personnel and lawyers to enter.

Khan is also expected to appear in another courtroom on the occasion of the Toshakhana case. The court has set a date for indictment against him. The case is based on allegations that the former prime minister concealed proceeds from the sale of state gifts.

Separately, his supporters sent messages on social media and gathered in Islamabad to press the government to release their leader.

earlier, PTI Leadership In a late-night meeting, it was decided to continue the nationwide protests against Khan’s arrest. However, it distanced itself from the arson and violence, saying protesters had been infiltrated by those who wanted to clamp down on the party.

The party also decided to challenge the arrest in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Separately, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said the party will challenge the IHC’s decision to declare the arrests legal in the Supreme Court. The court approved the arrest on Tuesday night after hearing arguments.

Hours after the arrest, PTI vice-president Shah Mahmood Qureshi convened a “composition” consisting of Senators Saifullah Khan, Azam Swati and Ejaz Chaudhry, PTI senior leaders Murad Saeed, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur and Hassan Niazi. “Emergency Committee” meetings to review aspects of the situation in each country and announce a comprehensive plan of action.

Separately, PTI Central secretary-general Asad Omar said the Qureshi-led committee of seven, formed by Khan, would announce the party’s action plan following the arrest of Pakistan’s biggest political leader.

“The whole world is showing people that there are no laws in this country,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the vice-chairman urged people to come out and support Khan who was “kidnapped” from the courthouse in a “false and fabricated” case.

Qureshi told reporters at Karachi airport that the arrest was related to Prime Minister Sheikh Baz Sharif’s visit to London, calling it a “premeditated attack” by the government on the former prime minister and warning of an outcry against “illegal actions”. move”.

“People are protesting themselves,” he said in response to a question. “People across Pakistan took to the streets to protest the arrest of Imran Khan. They are peaceful and only want their beloved leader to be safe.”

This did not happen suddenly, he said, adding that Prime Minister Sheikh Baz extended his stay in London because he was well aware of this (Imran Khan’s arrest plan).

“Imran Khan’s arrest is somehow linked to London (the visit of Shehbaz Sharif),” the vice-chairman said, adding that even before his court appearance Khan declared in a video statement that “he is ready to be arrested.” catch”.

Meanwhile, in London, supporters of PTI gathered outside PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif’s Avenfield House on Park Lane.

On Tuesday night, dozens of British supporters of PTI poured into Dunraven Street, the street leading to the gated apartment complex where Sharif and his family live, chanting anti-Nawaz slogans.

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At the same time, the international community has also taken note of the situation in Pakistan after Khan’s arrest.

Following Khan’s arrest, the United States called on Pakistan to respect democratic principles and the rule of law.

The EU stresses the need for restraint and calm in such difficult and tense times.

“Pakistan’s challenges can only be resolved, the path of which can only be determined by Pakistanis themselves, through sincere dialogue and in compliance with the rule of law,” it said.