Islamabad, 10 May 2023, (GNP): Numerous analysts, journalists, and human rights organizations including the Amnesty International condemned the arrest of former premier Imran Khan. They regarded Khan’s arrest as an attack on democracy, freedom of speech, and the human rights.
Amnesty International called Khan’s arrest as a threat to human rights in Pakistan. It said, ” the ongoing confrontations between Imran Khan’s followers and law enforcement, following the detention of the ex-prime minister, pose a threat to various human rights violations. We urge the officials to exercise self-control and make sure that any action taken adheres to the principles of being reasonable, lawful, essential, and unbiased.”
Michael Kugelman, Director of South Asia Institute at The Wilson Center, also expressed his views, “today it appears the Pakistan army has reached an “enough is enough” moment re Khan. After several false starts/unsuccessful arrest attempts by the police, this time the military took matters into its own hands. What a mess! Huge escalation in a long, ugly crisis.”
Maleeha Lodhi, former ambassador of Pakistan to the UN, US, and UK, remarked, “never has Pakistan, having seen many crises in the past, faced a situation like this. Of total political chaos and economic breakdown. This is untenable and the people of the country don’t deserve this. This must change.”
Also Read: Remarks of Chief Justice of Pakistan on Imran Khan’s arrest.
Moeed Pirzada, Journalist, and editor of Global Village Space criticized the military and international powers. He remarked that the absence of strong responses from the State Department, White House, British Government, EU, and other important European governments regarding the brutal campaign being carried out against the media and political workers in Pakistan since May 2022 is unexpected and puzzling.
He also said that this lack of reaction is causing concerns among Pakistanis that the military-led “Reign of Terror” and the takeover of all institutions by the military have implicit endorsement from these international bodies.Moreover, all online platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and others, are being blocked throughout Pakistan.
Zarar Khurro, a prominent journalist of Pakistan said, “rangers do not answer to civilian authorities. Court Summoning the police to answer for this is ridiculous, this wasn’t the police. Nor is this about any case; it’s purely blind rage and vengeance. And like all these foolish acts of fascism, it will not work; only chaos wins now. Politicians or any civilians who stand for this should know that as is always the case, those actually in power can and will turn on you too. Always have, and always will. Ultimately all civilian powers must unite on basic principles, as impossible as that seems. If not, be assured you will all sink sooner or later.”
Mubashir Zaidi, senior journalist and producer of TRT News tweeted on Twitter that Imran Khan was arrested for speaking out against the military chief and ISI. By this definition, half of the country’s population should be jailed.
Mustafa T. Wynne, an activist, and writer wrote, “If they can take Imran Khan to an unknown location and make him disappear in broad daylight, imagine what they do to people who are not so powerful. The impunity with which they operate needs to be put under check. Imran Khan & his supporters fought with PMLN, PPP, & JUIF all their life, always thought of them as the real enemy, and always claimed they have caused harm to Pakistan. I hope they’ve come to realize a different truth now & realized who they should be fighting against.”
Imran Khan’s arrest
Former Premier of Pakistan and Pakistan-Tehreek-Insaf’s (PTI) Chief Imran Khan was arrested from the premises of Islamabad High Court (IHC) a day earlier.
His arrest was made by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) through Rangers under the charges of the Al-Qadir Trust case. According to a statement by NAB Imran Khan is arrested in 190 billion corruption cases.
Also Read: PTI chairman Imran Khan arrested in Islamabad
Imran Khan’s arrest sudden arrest has come amid the soaring tensions between him and the country’s powerful military establishment.
Since his ouster from power last year Khan has been vocal about powerful military establishment and accusing it for various political upheavals in Pakistan. However, his accusation on senior ISI officer Major-General Faisal Naseer for his involvement in the assassination attempt on his life in Wazirabad, and his involvement in the assassination of journalist Arshad Sharif, led to his dramatic arrest on Tuesday as per the PTI leaders. But the military has denied these accusations.
Outraged public took to streets and barged into military cantonments
Outraged by the dramatic arrest of the popular leader public erupted on streets across the country, protesting and chanting anti-army slogans.
Furious public also attacked General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi, the most sensitive state institution.
Protestors also attacked and entered the various military cantonments across the country. They barged into the Military Core Commander’s house and other military officials in Lahore.
In addition, in response to the “shut-down” call by the PTI leaders, protestors also blocked all highways and roads in the country.
As a result of sudden political chaos The country’s stock market also saw a plunge.
To control the law and order situation, Federal police imposed section 144 in the capital Islamabad, disallowing any gathering of protest. Similar sections were also imposed in Lahore.
