Lahore, 15 March 2023 (GNP): The standoff between police and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters entered its second day on Wednesday, with authorities renewing their efforts to arrest party chairman Imran Khan from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore.
There were reports of new conflicts as police reopened, firing tear gas rounds at defiant PTI workers and supporters.
The standoff began a day earlier when Islamabad police officers led by DIG (Operations) Islamabad Shahzad Bukhari attempted to carry out the non-bailable arrest warrants in the Toshakhana case.
The situation deteriorated after police nearly reached the gates of the PTI chief’s Zaman Park residence, forcing them to pull back towards Mall Road.
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The police action at Zaman Park provoked outrage that spanned cities, resulting in an immense amount of rage which saw buildings set ablaze and an aggressive stance from authorities, resulting in the injuries of at least five police officers, including DIG Operations Islamabad Shahzad Bukhari, and dozens of workers.
The upheaval was visible just a small distance from Imran’s home, where he had previously in the day called for his supporters to stage a protest and prompted them to come out regarding police usage of tear gas as well as water cannons on supporters.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Islamabad, Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi as tensions rose with protests in Islamabad, Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
Even though authorities had blocked access to Imran’s home, major arteries leading there became crowded just hours after police started the process of arresting the former PM.
With arrest warrants for Imran, a team of Islamabad police officers arrived at the home in the afternoon. A significant number of Lahore police officers accompanied them.
Numerous Anti-Riot Force (ARF) officers escorted the federal capital police, armed with anti-riot gear, tear gas shells, and two water cannons. Before proceeding to Imran’s house, the team made announcements, urging the supporters not to hinder their task.
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Meanwhile, Imran appealed to his supporters in a short video message to come out for true freedom as the police approached him to arrest him. “They think that after my arrest, the nation will fall asleep, but you have to prove them wrong,” he emphasized.
As the conflicts intensified, a helicopter was called in to provide aerial surveillance of the zone, while the supply of electricity was cut off and the internet service was suspended.
