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Lahore, Pakistan – Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who currently serves as the opposition leader, took to social media on Wednesday, expressing concern that the police have surrounded his house in Lahore with intentions of another arrest. In what he termed as “probably my last tweet before my next arrest,” Khan alerted his followers to the alleged situation unfolding at his residence.
According to reports from Dawn, the Punjab Police have deployed outside Khan’s Zaman Park residence and established a cordon around the area. The developments come in response to a statement made by Amir Mir, spokesperson for the Punjab provincial government, who demanded that Khan hand over 40 suspects believed to be hiding at his home within 24 hours or face a police raid.
In a video address, Khan conveyed his fear that Pakistan is on the path to destruction and emphasized the urgent need for wisdom to prevail to prevent further deterioration. “I fear that if wisdom is not exercised today, we might reach a stage where we wouldn’t even be able to pick up the pieces,” he solemnly stated.
Responding to the alleged threat faced by their leader, Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), issued a call to its supporters, urging them to gather at Zaman Park. A tweet from PTI read, “Everyone, please reach Zaman Park! Do not let the PDM regime take our leader, the operation is just malice, and they are targeting Imran Khan!”
It should be noted that the recent wave of tension and violence in Pakistan erupted following Imran Khan’s arrest last week in Islamabad. Supporters of the opposition leader expressed their anger by resorting to destructive measures, including setting fire to buildings and vehicles, and attacking law enforcement and military personnel. The clashes resulted in the tragic deaths of ten individuals, with thousands of people apprehended by authorities.
However, the Supreme Court subsequently criticized the manner in which Khan was arrested and ordered his release. In a recent development, the court in Islamabad has granted Khan an extension on his bail and protection against arrest until the end of the month.
Meanwhile, international rights group Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan have raised concerns over the government’s plan to subject the supporters of the former prime minister to trial under military rules. Such trials are typically held behind closed doors, depriving civilians of certain basic rights, including the ability to choose their own legal representation.
As tensions continue to escalate in Pakistan, the situation surrounding Imran Khan’s house in Lahore remains a matter of significant concern. Supporters of the opposition leader, while urged to gather in solidarity, are being closely monitored by authorities as the nation treads uncertain waters.
It remains to be seen how this latest episode will unfold and whether the government and opposition can find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political crisis that has gripped the country.
