NATIONAL

Countrywide protests as workers ‘foil’ attempt to arrest Imran

By Saleem Jadoon
  • Police use tear gas, water cannon and stun grenades to break up protests
  • Asad Omar says trying Imran in Toshakhana case akin to make Pakistan laughing stock
  • PTI chief forms emergency committee to overlook PTI matters
  • Rana sanaullah vows tp arrest Imran Khan at ‘all costs’

LAHORE: Protests broke out in all major cities of country on Tuesday against the backdrop of clashes going on intermittently between PTI workers and police personnel around Zaman Park residence of PTI Chairman Imran Khan following the police’s attempt to arrest the opposition leader in Thoshakhana case.

Intermittent tear gas shelling is ongoing at Zaman Park as police personnel who had reached the security barrier outside the neighbourhood — has been forced towards Mall Road. PTI workers, meanwhile, have secured the path leading to Imran’s residence as well as Canal Road.

The clashes erupted between police and supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan ahead of his potential arrest.

The police heavily fired tear gas and water cannon as hundreds of members and supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gathered outside his Zaman Park residence to foil the attempt being made to arrest him.

PTI workers reportedly pelted the police officials with stones as the police resorted to baton-charge on the crowds, turning Zaman Park into a battleground. Police allegedly used water cannons to hold back PTI workers, with some being taken into custody.

According to PTI leaders, the police committed worst brutalities against the party workers and supporters and did not spare the children and women. “The police fired expired tear-gas shells and chemical-laden water on the peaceful protesters”, the party’s woman leader Zartaj Gul told the media while tears rolling down from his eyes due to tear-gas.

“It seems the police personnel are Indian forces and trying to suppress the Kashmiris”, he regretted.

‘What they want?’

Speaking to reporters outside Imran Khan’s residence, senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi said there was no justification for the police to attack people. “We are ready to talk,” he said.

Qureshi said he wanted to see the warrants himself and will speak to his party chairman once he gets to see them.

“What do they [police] want?” he asked. “After hearing their point of view, I will have a meeting with Khan sahib. We may be ready for arrest ourselves.”

‘Islamabad police arrive to arrest Imran’

Earlier in the day around 2:30pm, personnel of both the Punjab and Islamabad Police in armoured vehicles arrived outside the residence of Imran Khan in the Zaman Park neighbourhood of Lahore on Tuesday, with the intention to arrest the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party, and threw stones and chemical-adulterated water at protestors to keep them away.

However, the police have refused to disclose any information regarding the case in which they are taking action against Khan. “We are aware of the case, but we cannot discuss any details at this point,” Shahzad Bukhari, deputy operations chief of Islamabad police, said.

Witnesses on the scene reported that Mall Road had been blocked, and a number of party supporters had gathered outside the residence. In response, the Twitter account of the opposition party called on supporters and workers to gather outside Zaman Park and remain peaceful.

Bukhari informed reporters that officials had gathered outside Khan’s residence to serve an outstanding arrest warrant against the PTI chief.

However, Bukhari declined to discuss the details of the case. When asked where Khan would be taken once arrested, he said: “Let it first happen, then God willing, we will keep you informed.”

Bukhari emphasized that police had arrived to “serve the lawful process” and expected cooperation from others. He also called for the public gathered outside Khan’s residence not to take the law into their own hands.

When asked whether police would take action in case of chaos, he responded, “Yes, of course, if someone takes the law into their hands, then we will act in accordance with the law.”

Responding to the situation, Fawad Chaudhry, the senior vice president of the party, said the arrest warrants in the Toshakhana case, issued a day earlier, had been challenged in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

He further mentioned the hearing for the case was expected to begin soon. Shibli Faraz and Barrister Gauhar Ali Khan have reportedly arrived at the IHC, he added.

The court has ordered the police to produce him before the court by March 18.

IHC to take up Imran’s on Wednesday

On the other hand, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday rejected the request of PTI’s chairman Imran Khan seeking to fix his appeal for hearing on same day against his non-bailable arrest warrants in toshakhana case.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq would take up the case for hearing on Wednesday (today) along with the objections raised by the Registrar’s office. The Registrar had objected to the petition for having no biometric verification.

The petition was moved by Imran Khan’s lawyer Intizar Panjutha Advocate. It prayed the court to suspend the non-bailable arrest warrants of his client in Toshakhana case.

SECURITY CONCERNS

Meanwhile, Hassaan Niazi, a member of the party, spoke to the media outside Zaman Park and said the PTI did not trust the police and expressed concerns about the safety of the former prime minister.

Niazi claimed the police had been warned about the anger of party workers after the death of Ali Bilal, Zill-i-Shah. He also said he would check Khan’s availability and respond to the police accordingly.

Meanwhile, Farrukh Habib, another PTI leader, shared footage of officials outside Zaman Park and accused them of creating a situation that could endanger his life. Habib also claimed that appearing before a court in F-8 would be like walking into a “death trap.”

In a separate statement, Chaudhry accused the government of looting the Toshakhana, a state treasury, and criticised the police for targeting Khan’s arrest.

‘Emergency committee’ formed to overlook PTI matters

Meanwhile, former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan constituted a six-member ‘emergency committee’ to overlook party matters in case of his arrest.

The six-member committee includes PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Senator Saifullah Niazi, Senator Azam Swati, Ijaz Chaudhy, Murad Saeed and Ali Amin Gandapur.

The emergency committee will overlook the matters if Imran Khan gets arrested, as per a statement issued by the political party.

‘Will arrest Imran Khan at all costs’

On the other hand, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that the police will arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan today at any cost and produce him before the court.

Rana Sanaullah, while addressing the PML-N organizational convention in Faizpur on Tuesday, alleged that Imran Khan was “evil and will be put back in the bottle.” He further alleged that Imran Khan was evil and wanted to see agitation and anarchy in the country.

The interior minister claimed that the country will face more destruction if Imran Khan is not removed from the elections. He alleged that the PTI chief was imposed on the country as a project and he did not spend a single day serving the country and the democracy.

Sanaullah said that Imran Khan always organise long marches, sit-ins and Jail Bharo Tehreek. He alleged that the PTI chief is now hiding under his bed like a rat.

He claimed that Imran Khan is fleeing from his arrest and they will produce him before the court soon.

While addressing the PML-N workers, Maryam Nawaz slammed the PTI chief once again and said that ‘coward’ Imran Khan is hiding like a rat today.

She, however, said that PML-N do not want such an election until justice is served to Nawaz Sharif. “Nawaz Sharif is still facing sentences and the culprit Imran Khan is walking freely. Elections will not be held in these circumstances. First, both scales should be balanced and then hold the elections.”

Protests break out in all major cities of country

A series of organised and sporadic protests broke out in Karachi with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers blocking roads and disrupting traffic in several areas of the city.

PTI’s Karachi chapter said that they had shut down or were protesting at at least 14 different locations across the city. They include key routes and thoroughfares including Teen Talwar and Shaheen Complex in South district, Hyderi, the 4K Stop and Five Star roundabouts in Central district, Mauripur Road in West district and Landhi’s Dawood roundabout.

There were protests in Hassan Square, Qayyumabad and Rashid Minhas Road areas of East district, and the Star Gate area which falls in Faisal Cantonment and leads to the airport. There were protests at the Sohrab Goth as well and is one the main routes to the Super Highway.

PTI said that its MPA Shahnawaz Jadoon was arrested during a protest at Native Jetty Bridge.

The road to Numaish was re-opened for traffic after police dispersed protesters who had blocked the road.

There have been reports that police was using tear gas to disperse protesters at the Five Star roundabout.

The flow of traffic was badly disrupted on key thoroughfares after protesters barricaded roads with trucks and burning tyres.

The protests in Karachi began around 6pm with people going home from work stranded for hours at various locations including Hassan Square, University Road and Qayyumabad.

In Peshawar, PTI workers gathered in front of the Press Club and protested. They also staged a demonstartion at the Assembly roundabout.

In Rawalpindi, PTI workers were directed to reach Committee Chowk to stage a protest demonstration.

In Faisalabad, the PTI workers staged a protest demonstration at Samundri Road.

In Mianwali, on the call of PTI party leadership, the workers came out on the streets across the district and blocked roads in protest.

They burnt tyres and shouted slogans in favor of Imran Khan. The protestors also chanted slogans in favor of Bol news and Shoaib Sheikh.

PTI leader Alamgir Khan told the media that more than 10 places in Karachi, PTI workers are protesting.

“We will not rise until the situation in Zaman Park improves. People and others have come out of their homes to obey the law but two laws cannot operate in this country one for the PTI and other for PML-N,” he maintained.

In Hyderabad, PTI workers raised slogans against the caretaker government and Punjab police. They also raised slogans in favor of their party chief Imran Khan and said “No, our leader is not afraid of the government’s tactics and arrest.”

Pakistan has been made a battlefield by the imported government, they maintained and added, “We are with every step of Khan Sahib. The government wants to create chaos in the country by arresting Imran Khan. Imran Khan is our redline.”

In Sukkur, workers gathered on Military Road against the possible arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

PTI General Secretary Sindh Mubeen Jatoi called the workers to Insaaf House. A large number gathered at Insaaf House and women activists are also present to protest against the possible arrest of Imran Khan.

The activists raised slogans against shelling of Zaman Park by Punjab Police.  “The Party Chairman Imran Khan’s life is in danger,” says Jatoi, adding that Imran Khan is our red line if it is crossed, there will be massive protests.

Punjab Police immediately empty the Zaman Park, Jatoi demanded.

In Gujranwala, workers are protesting at various places including GT Road, Chanda Fort, Gondanwala Chowk, Aziz Cross. Protesters have blocked the road at Flyover. Workers staged a sit-in at Gondanwala Chowk and blocked the road by burning tyres.

The workers raised slogans against the government and the police.

Long lines of vehicles were formed due to traffic block on GT Road.

In Sargodha, PTI workers blocked Sargodha-Khushab Road and raised slogans in favour of Imran Khan.

Long queues of vehicles were formed and markets in the city were also closed. “If Imran Khan is arrested, then there will be chaos all over the country,” the PTI activists said.

In Pakpattan, protesters took to the streets against the possible arrest of Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan.

PTI workers blocked Nagina Chowk and shouted slogans against the imported government. Participants said that cruelty and brutality would not be tolerated at all and the puppet chief minister should wait for time.

In Hafizabad, against the expected arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan and shelling in Zaman Park, Tehreek-e-Insaf workers came out in large numbers on the streets and protested by burning tires.

Traffic has been stopped by blocking the road in front of the DPO Office Chowk.

They demanded that Zaman Park should be vacated immediately, adding that their blood is present for their beloved leader Imran Khan.

In Kot Addu, the workers protested at Police Chowk under the leadership of former MNA Mian Shabbir Qureshi.

They also stage a protest at Tehsil Chowk Sarwar Shaheed and raised slogans against the government and police.

Traffic was blocked on GT Road due to protest and long queues of vehicles were witnessed.

The workers and leaders said, “Imran Khan is our red line and not let Imran Khan arrested by these looters and corrupt rulers.”

In Mailsi, the PTI protested against the possible arrest of Imran Khan and the police brutality at Zaman Park.

The party workers say, “Ready to die for Imran Khan. Imran Khan is our red line.”

In Balochistan, protesting workers of the PTI  have blocked roads and national highways at various places in the province. Until the call to end the protest, they will continue their demonstrations.

National highways to Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Sindh have also been closed, PTI Balochistan said.

In Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers came out on the streets and shouted slogans against the imported government.

Workers blocked the road with tires and said, “Imran Khan Our red line.”

‘ICT Police warning’

Meanwhile, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police in a statement said legal action would be taken against those who were obstructing the implementation of the court orders regarding the arrest of Imran Khan.

An ICT Police team had been in Lahore since yesterday to comply with the court orders and the Punjab Police were extending their support to it, an Islamabad Police spokesperson said.

He said the Deputy Inspector General (Operations) and the Senior Superintendent of Police were safe.

DIG Bukhari earlier arrived at the scene with an armoured vehicle and a police team to ensure compliance with the arrest warrant.

‘Defining moments’

On the other hand, describing the situation as  a defining moment, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership urged the party office-bearers and workers to come out across length and breathe of the country in protest against the imported government’s plan to detain PTI Chairman Imran Khan, which, they said, was nothing but seemed a plot to kill him.

PTI senior leaders, in their strong reaction over the police’s stubbornness and use of fascist force to arrest Imran Khan, they said that the PTI office-bearers and workers should come out across the country to show solidarity with PTI Chairman who had been fighting a war of their future generation.

PTI Central Secretary General Asad Umar said that after the past record of Toshakhana came to limelight, trying Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case was not only a joke in the country, but it would make Pakistan a laughing stock in the world.

He said that Islamabad High Court (IHC) has set a diary number to hear our petition against the ongoing Zaman Park operation, hence there was no justification for continuing this illegal operation.

PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry urged that the people of Pakistan should come onto the streets across the country to record a peaceful protest to express solidarity with Imran Khan.

He said that PTI organizations should play a role in making these protests peaceful and announce the place.

Fawad went on to say that the petition to cancel the warrant has been fixed for today (Wednesday) in the IHC, the warrant was dated 18th, hence the police should end the operation immediately and should wait for the court’s decision.

Lashing out at the imported government rising fascism, PTI Senior Vice President Dr. Shireen Mazari said: “It seems entire Punjab police is turning into a force for terrorism against PTI leadership and workers because they are so petrified of the people’s support Imran Khan commands.”

She said that Pineapple Maryam taking charge of Punjab government clearly and totally illegally.

“Now they are directing tear gas inside Khan’s house. Total fascism by a bloodthirsty fascist government and the State,” Mazari added.

She went on to say that once again police came and caused terrorism at Zaman Park attacking PTI’s workers. They have not shown any warrant or arrest to our Vice Chairman despite being asked to show relevant documents, but have unleashed violence against workers. “This is pure fascism. Why SCP silent,” she asked.

In his strong reaction, PTI Central leader Senator Saifullah Khan Nyazee said that all party’s office-bears and workers should come out of their homes immediately.

He said that the office-bearers and workers who have been close to Lahore should reach Lahore and the rest should protest in their respective areas.

Senator Saifullah made it clear that it was a decisive time, as the purpose of such illegal arrest was nothing but conspiracy.

He revealed that the arrest was a conspiracy to murder him, as there was no justification to arrest him.

PTI Senior Leader Murad Saeed said that media channels were being stopped from giving coverage to the ongoing police barbarity in the Zaman Park. “Our workers are being tortured and camps are being demolished,” he added.

Murad said that their aim and plan was not to arrest Imran Khan but to kill him by attacking Zaman Park under the guise of a bogus case.

He urged people that it was high time to take a decision about future of Pakistan, as they would fight till last drop of their blood.

Murad said that it was up to them to decide now to make Pakistan like Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Turkey or acted like a silent Egypt even after Mohamed Morsi’s death.

Protests break out in Karachi over Imran Khan’s possible arrest

 

‘Stay steady’ if anything happens to me

Earlier, PTI Chairman Imran Khan aired a passionate recorded message to his supporters on Tuesday, urging them to stay put for their rights and “continue the struggle” for ‘Haqqi Azadi’ even if he is arrested or assassinated.

The PTI chairman’s video message was released on social media as police arrived at his Lahore residence to arrest him. A large number of party workers continued resisting the police personnel who teargassed and baton-charged the crowds to disperse them outside Zaman Park.

Addressing his supporters and workers in the video, Imran said that the authorities think his arrest would lead to the nation’s “distracting and indifference.”

“My fellow Pakistanis, the police are outside waiting to arrest me. They believe that if Imran Khan is put behind the bars, the nation will fall asleep. You must prove them wrong. You must show that this nation is alive and kicking,” he said.

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Saleem Jadoon
Saleem Jadoon
News Editor at Pakistan Today

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