Pakistanis have come out in support of former Prime Minister Imran Khan as he faces the threat of arrest in the Toshakhana case. In a bid to evade arrest, Imran has called upon his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers and supporters to gather around his Zaman Park residence in Lahore. The situation has escalated into a violent clash between protesters and law-enforcing agencies, as Imran’s supporters have vehemently resisted the police’s attempts to enter his residence to arrest him.
During the violent clash, the former premier alleged that the true motive of the law agencies was to “abduct and assassinate” him, which has only fueled the outrage of his supporters. In response to the resistance from the protesters, the police fired tear gas shells. Additionally, a number of PTI workers have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies.
Despite the escalating tension, a senior police official has stated that security personnel outside Imran’s house will be temporarily withdrawing their forces to allow the Pakistan Super League cricket tournament to proceed as scheduled. The Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans are scheduled to face each other at Gaddafi Stadium, which is around 9km (5.6 miles) from Imran’s residence in Zaman Park.
According to the court’s order, the operation to arrest Imran will be halted until 10 am on Thursday, nearly 12 hours after the conclusion of the PSL match in Lahore. Imran’s supporters have taken to social media to express their solidarity with him, and numerous Pakistani celebrities have voiced their support for him as well. ( Al Jazeera)
Here is how the netizens reacted
“Arresting or hurting a leader like Imran Khan will do nothing but create a civil war & damage the country even more. Establishment should be smart enough to avoid this damage & respectfully hold elections. Vote se naa darain.”
“I saw a video of Rangers/Police open straight fires on protesters outside of Imran Khan’s house. I have never felt more scared to live in my own country. Pyaara Pakistan bleeds today.”
“This is how Pakistan treats its leaders They either kill you Or exile you And when they fail, they attack your home & your people But something feels different this time Something has changed Love him or hate him, Imran Khan has taken on the Army like no one before him”
“Pakistan’s police continues its relentless attack in the middle of the night on Imran Khan’s residence to arrest him. Are they arresting a former prime minister or fighting a war?”
“You can have your differences with Imran Khan but if you are silent on the brutality of this regime on innocent citizens for protesting which is a right of everyone in a democracy then something is seriously wrong with you.”
“It was Imran Khan who spearheaded the creation of the “International Day to Combat Islamophobia.” That Day is being observed today, March 15th. On the very same day, they are trying to assassinate Imran Khan in Pakistan. Ironic hardly does events justice.”
“Imran Khan is really rewriting the definitions of resistance and leadership in the country. Prior to him, it was believed that jail time turns a politician into leader. Glad we’re finally over such ridiculous ideas”
“It’s incredible to witness people from all walks of life coming together with a shared sense of purpose, fueled by their passion and dedication. Such an outpouring of support for a leader is unprecedented in the history of our country”
“WHERE ARE YOU? All THE Human Rights, pro-Democracy, Pro-people, Anti-Authoritarian organizations on situation at Imran’s home where hundreds of police/troops are attacking civilians to arrest Khan for socalled sale of a wrist watch. WILL THEY WAKE UP WHEN KHAN IS KILLED? SHAME !!”
We hope and pray that the citizens stay safe!
