Islamabad, Pakistan – Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested by military personnel outside the Islamabad High Court today and whisked away to an undisclosed location.
The arrest comes after Khan was charged with sedition and other offences for allegedly inciting violence during a political rally in Lahore last month. Khan has denied the charges and has accused the government of trying to silence him and his supporters.
Khan had appeared in court today to seek bail in the case but was met with a heavy military presence outside the courthouse. Eyewitnesses report that as soon as Khan exited the building, he was surrounded by armed military personnel who forcibly took him into custody.
The move has been met with criticism from Khan’s supporters, who have taken to social media to express their outrage at the military’s intervention in civilian affairs. Many have also expressed concern for Khan’s safety and have demanded his immediate release.
The Pakistani government has yet to comment on the arrest, but sources say that the military acted on its own and did not consult with civilian authorities before taking Khan into custody.
The incident has raised questions about the role of the military in Pakistan’s politics, which has a long history of military coups and interventions. Many fear that Khan’s arrest may be a sign of a larger crackdown on dissent and political opposition in the country.
The international community has also expressed concern over the arrest, with several human rights groups calling for Khan’s immediate release and for Pakistan to uphold its commitment to democratic values and the rule of law.
As of now, the situation remains tense in Islamabad and other parts of the country, with many of Khan’s supporters taking to the streets to protest his arrest. The military has deployed additional troops to maintain order, but the situation remains fluid and uncertain.
