Pakistan opposition warns Khan arrest would be ‘red line’

Pakistan opposition leaders warned
Monday that authorities would cross a “red line” if they arrested former
prime minister Imran Khan after he was reported under the anti-terrorism act
for comments he made about the judiciary.

Since being ousted by a vote of no confidence in April, Khan has held mass
rallies across the country, warning state institutions including the military
not to back the coalition government led by his long-time political rival
Shehbaz Sharif.

Hundreds of people gathered outside Khan’s house Monday — ostensibly to
prevent police from reaching him — but the former leader has been fighting a
raft of charges for months, and has so far not been arrested.

“Wherever you are, reach Bani Gala today and show solidarity with Imran
Khan,” tweeted former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, referring to
Khan’s home.

“Imran Khan is our red line.”

A First Information Report was filed with police Sunday — the first step of
a process that could lead to formal charges and arrest.

In a statement, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf party (PTI) said the latest
accusations against him were “frivolous”.

“We have serious reservations on this politically motivated move which leads
towards further instability in the country,” it said.

On Saturday he criticised a magistrate responsible for keeping a PTI official
in police custody, after party leaders say he was tortured in detention.

Khan’s main goal is an early general election — the next one must be held
before October next year — but the government has shown no sign of wanting
to go to the polls as it grapples with major economic problems.

Khan swept into power in 2018 thanks to an electorate weary of the dynastic
politics of the country’s two major parties, with the former cricket star
promising to sweep away decades of entrenched corruption and cronyism.

But under his rule the country’s economy went into free fall, and the
International Monetary Fund suspended a $6 billion loan programme that the
new government has only just gotten back on track.

Khan also lost the support of the military.

Over the weekend Pakistan’s media watchdog banned television channels from
broadcasting live addresses by Khan, saying he was “spreading hate speech”.

“His provocative statements against state institutions and officers… is
likely to disturb public peace and tranquillity,” the Pakistan Electronic
Media Regulatory Authority said.

AFP