Imran Khan, the head of Pakistan’s biggest opposition, claims the government is breaking the law in its attempt to detain him.
‘They should all be subject to the law of the land,’ he stated to the BBC.
Imran Khan’s supporters battled with police Tuesday as officers tried to detain the former prime minister in accordance with a court order.
There are claims that he illegally resold official gifts while in government. According to him, politics are at the heart of this case.
Tensions Flared in Different Cities of Pakistan Due to Possible Arrest of Imran Khan
In the city of Lahore, tensions flared when police sought to break into his property. Supporters of Mr. Khan, who threw stones and bricks, were dispersed by officers who fired tear gas shells.
A video message from the 70-year-old lawmaker revealed that he is willing to guarantee his appearance before an Islamabad court this coming Saturday.
He also mentioned that there were safety worries due to the fact that the court had been the target of two prior attacks by militants.
As Mr. Khan had taken protective bail until Saturday, he argued there was “no rationale” for police to arrest him on Tuesday.
He further said that the authorities were resolute in their pursuit of incarcerating him despite previous failures.
On Tuesday, he stated, “I’m mentally prepared that I’m going to be spending my night in jail. I’m ready to spend however many nights it takes.
He claimed the government was plotting his arrest to prevent his party from running in upcoming elections. But he added: “Whether I am in jail or not they will not be able to stop my party winning.”
Government minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated the move had nothing to do with elections and police were merely complying with court orders to arrest him over corruption issues.
She stated that Imran Khan was using his party workers, women and children as human shields to dodge arrest and stir unrest.
He was dismissed as prime minister in April but has kept up pressure on his successor Shehbaz Sharif with demonstrations and speeches calling for elections planned later this year to be held early.
He holds Shehbaz Sharif responsible for his leg injury sustained during an assassination attempt at a rally last November.
To read our blog on “Court orders to arrest Imran on March 18 in Toshakhana case,” click here.
