Imran Khan’s arrest has triggered unprecedented violence, including targeted attacks on military buildings. Here’s a look at what is at stake for the former prime minister and his political party
In a dramatic turn of events, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was finally arrested on May 9. If images of him being taken away came as a rude shock, the violent events that followed were beyond discomfiting. The proverbial ‘red line’ was crossed when Khan’s supporters were seen targeting the military, which is perceived to have played a role in his forcible arrest.
For months, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief had been evading arrest with the support of a prominent group of Supreme Court judges. Khan claims that there are more than a hundred cases against him, but only 36 cases are publicly known. The charges range from corruption to libel and his nikah, which is alleged to be violative of Islamic injunctions.
For months, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief had been evading arrest with the support of a prominent group of Supreme Court judges. Khan claims that there are more than a hundred cases against him, but only 36 cases are publicly known. The charges range from corruption to libel and his nikah, which is alleged to be violative of Islamic injunctions.