Pakistani police on Monday (Sept 9) arrested several top leaders of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party following clashes between protesters and law enforcement near a rally demanding Khan's release.

Among those detained were Barrister Gohar Khan, the PTI chairperson, Sher Afzal Khan Marwat, and Advocate Shoaib Shaheen. Video footage circulated online showed police taking the PTI president from his vehicle.&nbsp;

PTI stated that other senior members were also arrested, but did not specify the total number.

<h2>The protest&nbsp;</h2>

The arrests came after a Sunday protest where tens of thousands of PTI supporters gathered peacefully in Islamabad, demanding the release of Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for nearly a year following a graft case conviction.&nbsp;

Violence erupted a mile from the protest site, leaving several police officers injured.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-hints-at-military-trial-for-jailed-former-pm-imran-khan-756404">Pakistan Army hints at military trial for jailed former PM Imran Khan</a>

PTI leaders, at the rally reportedly threatened to forcefully free Khan if he was not released within two weeks.&nbsp;

Authorities announced that charges would be brought against Ali Amin Gandapur for inciting violence. However, as per an AP report, his whereabouts remain unclear. His spokesperson told local media that they had lost contact with Gandapur, the top elected official in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

<h2>PTI denounces arrests</h2>

PTI condemned the arrests and said they were an attack on democracy.&nbsp;

Referring to the Marwat's arrest, it said on X: "PMLN government should be completely ashamed of this step against a sitting MNA."

"This must be considered a direct attack on democracy."

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Speaker NA, tout PMLN government should be completely ashamed of this step against sitting MNA. This must be considered a direct attack on democracy. 
 
The Islamabad Police has not only carried out illegal orders, but also insulted whole Parliament. 
 
IG Islamabad MUST stop this… <a href="https://t.co/iMQEIY454e">https://t.co/iMQEIY454e</a>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1833167750593982729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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In another post, the PTI condemned the "illegal" arrest of party chairperson Gohar and said that it was "a moment of shame for entire parliament, as this must be considered a direct attack on the remaining democracy in Pakistan."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-army-officially-accepts-role-in-1999-kargil-war-756652">Pakistani Army officially accepts role in 1999 Kargil War</a>

"Speaker NA should be ashamed for allowing such disrespect of parliament. Pakistan has descended further into the undeclared Martial Law," it added.

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Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar has been illegally arrested from Parliament premises by Islamabad Police. 
 
This is a moment of shame for entire Parliament, as this MUST be considered a direct attack on the remaining democracy in Pakistan. 
 
Speaker NA should be ashamed for allowing… <a href="https://t.co/EMKO85758K">pic.twitter.com/EMKO85758K</a>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1833187527173276030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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A statement on Marwat's account said that the arrests "once again proved how afraid it (the State) is of (Imran) Khan and his soldiers!"

"Remember that the person they are dragging this badly is not a terrorist or murderer. His only sin is that he considers Imran Khan his mentor, raises his voice for the poor, raises his voice for Pakistan, talks about the supremacy of democracy, the freedom of Pakistanis, and rule of law!"

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ریاست نے ایک بار پھر ثابت کر دیا کہ وہ خان اور خان کے سپاہیوں سے کتنی خوفزدہ ہے! 
🚨🚨* نہتےشیر افضل مروت گرفتاری کے مناظر۔۔!!*🚨🚨 
یاد رہے کہ جس انسان کو یہ اس بری طرح سے گھسیٹ رہے ہیں یہ کوئی ٹیرورسٹ یا قاتل نہیں ہے! اس کا صرف اور صرف یہ گناہ ہے کہ یہ عمران خان کو اپنا مرشد… <a href="https://t.co/abnhNlsvJU">pic.twitter.com/abnhNlsvJU</a>
— Sher Afzal Khan Marwat (@sherafzalmarwat) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherafzalmarwat/status/1833170902147596551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan, alleged that he and other PTI members were also targeted for arrest.&nbsp;

"This fascist regime and its backers have gone completely mad," he wrote in a statement on X, adding "Just found out that they have included my name along with Zartaj Gul sahiba and other colleagues in 2 additional FIRs. Islamabad Police teams have been made for our arrests."

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This Fascist Regime and it's backers have gone completely mad. Condemn the arrest of Barrister Gohar Ali Khan sahib, Shoaib Shaheen and Sher Afzal Marwat. 
Just found out that they have included my name along with Zartaj Gul sahiba and other colleagues in 2 additional FIRs.…
— Omar Ayub Khan (@OmarAyubKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAyubKhan/status/1833204466046361758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The Islamabad High Court Bar Association also denounced the arrests of Barrister Gohar and other PTI-affiliated lawyers and called for their immediate release.

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اسلام آباد ہائیکورٹ بار کی جانب سے شیر افضل خان مروت اور ایڈووکیٹ شعیب شاہین کی گرفتاری کی بھرپور مذمت۔ <a href="https://t.co/nfestruaJo">pic.twitter.com/nfestruaJo</a>
— Ali Ijaz Buttar (@aliijazbuttar) <a href="https://twitter.com/aliijazbuttar/status/1833186775839187088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani police on Monday (Sept 9) arrested several top leaders of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party following clashes between protesters and law enforcement near a rally demanding Khan's release.

Pakistani police on Monday (Sept 9) arrested several top leaders of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party following clashes between protesters and law enforcement near a rally demanding Khan's release. Among those detained were Barrister Gohar Khan, the PTI chairperson, Sher Afzal Khan Marwat, and Advocate Shoaib Shaheen. Video footage circulated online showed police taking the PTI president from his vehicle. PTI stated that other senior members were also arrested, but did not specify the total number. The protest The arrests came after a Sunday protest where tens of thousands of PTI supporters gathered peacefully in Islamabad, demanding the release of Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for nearly a year following a graft case conviction. Violence erupted a mile from the protest site, leaving several police officers injured. Also read | Pakistan Army hints at military trial for jailed former PM Imran Khan PTI leaders, at the rally reportedly threatened to forcefully free Khan if he was not released within two weeks. Authorities announced that charges would be brought against Ali Amin Gandapur for inciting violence. However, as per an AP report, his whereabouts remain unclear. His spokesperson told local media that they had lost contact with Gandapur, the top elected official in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. PTI denounces arrests PTI condemned the arrests and said they were an attack on democracy. Referring to the Marwat's arrest, it said on X: "PMLN government should be completely ashamed of this step against a sitting MNA." "This must be considered a direct attack on democracy." Speaker NA, tout PMLN government should be completely ashamed of this step against sitting MNA. This must be considered a direct attack on democracy. The Islamabad Police has not only carried out illegal orders, but also insulted whole Parliament. IG Islamabad MUST stop this… https://t.co/iMQEIY454e — PTI (@PTIofficial) September 9, 2024 × In another post, the PTI condemned the "illegal" arrest of party chairperson Gohar and said that it was "a moment of shame for entire parliament, as this must be considered a direct attack on the remaining democracy in Pakistan." Also read | Pakistani Army officially accepts role in 1999 Kargil War "Speaker NA should be ashamed for allowing such disrespect of parliament. Pakistan has descended further into the undeclared Martial Law," it added. Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar has been illegally arrested from Parliament premises by Islamabad Police. This is a moment of shame for entire Parliament, as this MUST be considered a direct attack on the remaining democracy in Pakistan. Speaker NA should be ashamed for allowing… pic.twitter.com/EMKO85758K — PTI (@PTIofficial) September 9, 2024 × A statement on Marwat's account said that the arrests "once again proved how afraid it (the State) is of (Imran) Khan and his soldiers!" "Remember that the person they are dragging this badly is not a terrorist or murderer. His only sin is that he considers Imran Khan his mentor, raises his voice for the poor, raises his voice for Pakistan, talks about the supremacy of democracy, the freedom of Pakistanis, and rule of law!" ریاست نے ایک بار پھر ثابت کر دیا کہ وہ خان اور خان کے سپاہیوں سے کتنی خوفزدہ ہے! 🚨🚨* نہتےشیر افضل مروت گرفتاری کے مناظر۔۔!!*🚨🚨 یاد رہے کہ جس انسان کو یہ اس بری طرح سے گھسیٹ رہے ہیں یہ کوئی ٹیرورسٹ یا قاتل نہیں ہے! اس کا صرف اور صرف یہ گناہ ہے کہ یہ عمران خان کو اپنا مرشد… pic.twitter.com/abnhNlsvJU — Sher Afzal Khan Marwat (@sherafzalmarwat) September 9, 2024 × Opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan, alleged that he and other PTI members were also targeted for arrest. "This fascist regime and its backers have gone completely mad," he wrote in a statement on X, adding "Just found out that they have included my name along with Zartaj Gul sahiba and other colleagues in 2 additional FIRs. Islamabad Police teams have been made for our arrests." This Fascist Regime and it's backers have gone completely mad. Condemn the arrest of Barrister Gohar Ali Khan sahib, Shoaib Shaheen and Sher Afzal Marwat. Just found out that they have included my name along with Zartaj Gul sahiba and other colleagues in 2 additional FIRs.… — Omar Ayub Khan (@OmarAyubKhan) September 9, 2024 × The Islamabad High Court Bar Association also denounced the arrests of Barrister Gohar and other PTI-affiliated lawyers and called for their immediate release. اسلام آباد ہائیکورٹ بار کی جانب سے شیر افضل خان مروت اور ایڈووکیٹ شعیب شاہین کی گرفتاری کی بھرپور مذمت۔ pic.twitter.com/nfestruaJo — Ali Ijaz Buttar (@aliijazbuttar) September 9, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

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The Pakistan Army on Thursday (Sept 6) hinted at a military trial for former jailed prime minister Imran Khan. The army warned that using military personnel for personal or political gains invited legal action. Addressing a press conference, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said, "Under military law, anyone who uses individuals subject to the Army Act for personal or political gain and evidence of such actions exists, will be subject to the law taking its course." A report by Dawn said in response to a query about the potential military trial for Khan, Gen Chaudhary attempted to sidestep the question by stating that the matter was sub judice and the question by the media as hypothetical. However, he simultaneously outlined the conditions under which a civilian could be tried under military law. Section 2(d)(i) of the Army Act The Dawn report said that Chaudhary's comment appeared to be referencing Section 2(d)(i) of the Army Act, which extends the act’s purview to civilians who attempt to compromise the duty or allegiance of military personnel to the government. The act also establishes a framework for military trials and outlines the offences and procedures relevant to service personnel. A long-speculated military trial Though Khan's military trial had been long speculated, rumours started circulating after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief sought intervention from the Islamabad High Court. Khan’s plea was prompted by concerns that he might be implicated in the May 9 violence, for which FIRs were filed against him. His anxieties were heightened by the arrest and speculation that former spy chief Faiz Hameed might turn an approver against him. In response to another question at the press conference, Chaudhry recalled an earlier military statement on Hameed's arrest, highlighting allegations that the former spy chief had contravened the Constitution and laws to advance the interests of certain political elements for personal gains. When asked about the roles of former ISI chief Naveed Mukhtar and former army chief Qamar Bajwa in the elevation of Hameed and his subsequent appointment as the spy chief, Chaudhry passed the onus on to then-PM. Dawn reported Chaudhry's assertion implied that Imran Khan got Hameed appointed to the top intelligence post. (With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan army on Monday (August 12) announced the arrest of former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed. Court-martial proceedings have been initiated against Hameed&nbsp;—&nbsp;a supporter of former PM Imran Khan&nbsp;—&nbsp;in connection with a housing scheme scandal, said the Pakistan army.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}">Military custody</h2>

"Complying with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken by Pakistan Army, to ascertain correctness of complaints in Top City Case made against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd)," said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) - Pakistan army's media wing in a statement.

"Consequently, appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd.), under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act," it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-jailed-former-pm-imran-khan-says-army-should-apologise-747034">Pakistan’s jailed former PM Imran Khan says ‘army should apologise’</a>

It added that multiple instances of violation of the Pakistan Army Act post-retirement have also been established against Hameed and consequently the "process of Field General Court Martial has been initiated and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been taken into military custody."&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:317,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2003}">Who is Faiz Hameed?</h2>

Lt Gen (retd.) Hameed was the head of ISI, Pakistan's spy agency from 2019 to 2021. He was put at the helm of the spy agency when then ISI chief and current army chief Lt Gen Asim Munir was prematurely removed from the post.

At the time, it was reported that Munir was replaced because the then prime minister, Imran Khan, was not happy with him.

Some time later, the army decided to remove Hameed, a move vehemently opposed by Imran Khan. This, as per a PTI news agency report, is believed to be the beginning of the souring of Hameed's relationship with the Pakistan military.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:549,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2235}">Top City&nbsp;housing scheme: Allegations against Lt Gen Hameed</h2>

In November 2023, Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of Top City, in a petition to the Supreme Court accused Hameed of misusing his authority. He alleged that on May 12, 2017, at the behest of Gen Hameed, ISI officials raided the Top City office and ceased valuables including gold, diamonds, and money. He also alleged that ISI officials have extorted 400 million Pakistani rupee (USD 143,542) from him.

He also claimed that Hameed's brother, Sardar Najaf, later contacted him to resolve the issue, and that Hameed himself sought to settle the matter.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:728,&quot;w&quot;:642,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2414}" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-to-complete-one-year-in-jail-on-august-5-pti-party-to-protest-against-indiscriminate-crackdown-745105">Imran Khan completes one year in jail on August 5, PTI party to protest against 'indiscriminate crackdown'</a>

Acting on the petition, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, led by a three-judge bench including Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, Justice Attar Minullah, and Justice Aminuddin, decided to refer the case to the Ministry of Defence for further investigation.

In response, the Pakistan Army announced in April that a high-level inquiry committee, headed by a major general, had been constituted to probe the allegations.

Hameed retired prematurely in November 2022, four months ahead of his scheduled retirement, following the appointment of the current army chief.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan army on Monday (August 12) announced the arrest of former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed. Court-martial proceedings have been initiated against Hameed — a supporter of former PM Imran Khan — in connection with a housing scheme scandal, said the Pakistan army.

Pakistan army on Monday (August 12) announced the arrest of former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed. Court-martial proceedings have been initiated against Hameed — a supporter of former PM Imran Khan — in connection with a housing scheme scandal, said the Pakistan army. Military custody "Complying with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken by Pakistan Army, to ascertain correctness of complaints in Top City Case made against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd)," said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) - Pakistan army's media wing in a statement. "Consequently, appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd.), under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act," it said. Also read | Pakistan’s jailed former PM Imran Khan says ‘army should apologise’ It added that multiple instances of violation of the Pakistan Army Act post-retirement have also been established against Hameed and consequently the "process of Field General Court Martial has been initiated and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been taken into military custody." Who is Faiz Hameed? Lt Gen (retd.) Hameed was the head of ISI, Pakistan's spy agency from 2019 to 2021. He was put at the helm of the spy agency when then ISI chief and current army chief Lt Gen Asim Munir was prematurely removed from the post. At the time, it was reported that Munir was replaced because the then prime minister, Imran Khan, was not happy with him. Some time later, the army decided to remove Hameed, a move vehemently opposed by Imran Khan. This, as per a PTI news agency report, is believed to be the beginning of the souring of Hameed's relationship with the Pakistan military. Top City housing scheme: Allegations against Lt Gen Hameed In November 2023, Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of Top City, in a petition to the Supreme Court accused Hameed of misusing his authority. He alleged that on May 12, 2017, at the behest of Gen Hameed, ISI officials raided the Top City office and ceased valuables including gold, diamonds, and money. He also alleged that ISI officials have extorted 400 million Pakistani rupee (USD 143,542) from him. He also claimed that Hameed's brother, Sardar Najaf, later contacted him to resolve the issue, and that Hameed himself sought to settle the matter. Also read | Imran Khan completes one year in jail on August 5, PTI party to protest against 'indiscriminate crackdown' Acting on the petition, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, led by a three-judge bench including Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, Justice Attar Minullah, and Justice Aminuddin, decided to refer the case to the Ministry of Defence for further investigation. In response, the Pakistan Army announced in April that a high-level inquiry committee, headed by a major general, had been constituted to probe the allegations. Hameed retired prematurely in November 2022, four months ahead of his scheduled retirement, following the appointment of the current army chief. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan army arrests former ISI chief Faiz Hameed; court martial proceedings initiated

Three of India's neighbouring countries- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan- have witnessed unusual shifts in their political environment including calls for politicians to step down and mass protests against ruling governments which often took a violent turn, killing and injuring numerous people.

Three of India's neighbouring countries- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan- have witnessed unusual shifts in their political environment including calls for politicians to step down and mass protests against ruling governments which often took a violent turn, killing and injuring numerous people. Several demonstrators also faced arrest and detention. Here's a look at what has happened in these three South Asian countries so far: Bangladesh: Anti-govt protests, Hasina's resignation, formation of new interim govt > A political crisis broke out in Bangladesh as students launched protests against the civil service job quotas last month. Students protested against public sector job quotas, which included a 30 per cent reservation for family members of freedom fighters from the 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan. > The protests, which ousted Sheikh Hasina from the prime minister's post, were also fuelled by harsh economic conditions and political repression. The COVID-19 pandemic damaged the $450 billion economy after years of strong growth, leading to high inflation, unemployment, and shrinking reserves. > Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh's PM on Monday (August 5) and fled the country. The nationwide violence killed about 300 people and injured thousands. Several protesters were also detained. > Hasina is currently in India, staying in a safe house in New Delhi. As per media reports, she plans to seek asylum in Britain, but the British Home Office has declined to comment. > Following Hasina's resignation, a caretaker government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on Thursday, which will be tasked with holding elections. Sri Lanka: Deep financial crisis causes widespread agitation > A deep financial crisis in Sri Lanka left the country struggling to pay for imports of food, medicine and fuel and brought thousands of protesters onto the streets in March 2022. Protests escalated with sit-in demonstrations outside then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office aimed at removing the president to pave the way for political reforms. > Widespread clashes broke out between pro- and anti-government protesters. The countrywide violence left nine dead and hundreds injured. Eventually Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned from his post. > This was Sri Lanka's worst economic crisis in 75 years. > In July 2022, Ranil Wickremesinghe became the country's president, and the new government reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a loan of about $2.9 billion. > On November 14, Sri Lanka's budget laid down several measures, including reducing the government's deficit in its efforts to secure the IMF bailout. In January 2023, India told the IMF that it would support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring plan. > Also in January last year, the Export-Import Bank of China offered Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on its debt and said it would support the country's efforts to secure the IMF loan. > Sri Lanka would be holding its first presidential election since the unrest, on September 21 this year. Pakistan: Imran Khan's ouster, his imprisonment, elections > In April 2022, cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan was ousted as Pakistan's prime minister. He became the PM in 2018. > Khan, the chairperson of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was removed from the top post through a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. He blamed the military for his ouster. No Pakistani prime minister has completed a full five-year term in office, and most have served time in jail. > Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Shehbaz Sharif was sworn in as the new PM > Imran Khan was convicted in four cases ahead of the February national election this year and has been in jail since August last year, but all of the sentences against him have since been overturned or suspended. He was jailed on dozens of charges ranging from corruption to leaking state secrets. > The Pakistan military said that Khan and his party were behind attacks on military installations last year during widespread protests against his detention. > In this election, candidates backed by Khan gained the most seats but the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) agreed to form a coalition government, which enabled Shehbaz Sharif to be elected as prime minister for a second term. > Imran Khan's imprisonment has added to political volatility in Pakistan, which has experienced a prolonged economic crisis and last month received a bailout from the IMF. > Recently, analysts told the news agency Reuters that the instability since Khan's ouster has driven Islamabad to accept the IMF's painful fiscal consolidation requirements. (With inputs from agencies)

Crisis in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan: What's going on with India's neighbours?

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan says that it is quote 'foolish' not to have strong ties with the Army. Khan has frequently held the military responsible for putting him inside jail on charges he calls trumped up and politically motivated.

PTI Chief Imran Khan woos Pakistan military

Imran Khan open to negotiations with the army, woos Pak military

Pakistan: Would be foolish not to have any good army ties, says former PM Imran Khan

Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan has refused to apologise for the May 9 riots that erupted after his arrest last year and claimed that it was the Army that owed him an apology since he was “abducted” by the paramilitary rangers on the day of the violence.

Khan, 71, was on May 9, 2023, arrested by the Pakistan Rangers from the Islamabad High Court premises during his appearance in a corruption case.

His arrest sparked countrywide protests and riots by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters who damaged civilian as well as military installations across the country.

Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: Trouble mounts for former PM Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi; 11 cases related to May 2023 riots

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Army spokesman Maj Gen Ahmed Sharif, on May 7 this year,&nbsp;said that any dialogue with the PTI could happen if the party apologised for its “politics of anarchy”.

The statement was followed by calls from different quarters that Khan&nbsp;should apologise for the “Black Day” violence.

During a media talk on Saturday at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi,&nbsp;when Khan was asked whether he would tender an apology for the May 9 violence, he responded by saying that he had no reason to apologise, further adding that he was arrested by the rangers headed by a serving major general from the premises of the Islamabad High Court, the Dawn newspaper reported.

The former premier, who over the past few weeks has repeatedly expressed his willingness to talk to the army and not with the government, reiterating his position, said he would only hold talks with the “real authority” as negotiations with the government were “a futile exercise”.

He alleged that talks with the government would be counterproductive as there is an unannounced martial law in the country.

The cricketer-turned-politician also added that talks with “people in the power corridors” would be within the ambit of the Constitution.

Dawn further reported that responding to a question that, senior politician and ally Mahmood Khan Achakzai has declined to become the focal person for proposed talks with the establishment, Khan said the senior leader had been nominated to negotiate with political parties.

Earlier this week, the former premier said his party was ready for talks with the military establishment but laid down preconditions: the return of his party’s “stolen mandate”, the release of all detained party workers, and the holding of transparent elections.

Khan also urged the military to nominate their representatives for talks.

Talking about his prison woes, the former prime minister said he twice suffered from food poisoning as he had no refrigerator in his cell to preserve the food properly.

Referring to the new Toshakhana reference in which he and his wife Bushra Bibi are the accused, Khan said the case was a “clear violation of the National Accountability Ordinance”.

He claimed still having in his possession the Graff watch, which he is accused of selling in the NAB reference.

Khan said he had moved his valuable possessions to a safer location following a raid at his Banigala residence in March last year.

He warned of legal proceedings against the NAB chairman, interior minister, and those officers who implicated him in “false cases”.

Earlier, the accountability court adjourned till August 7 the proceedings in the 190 million pounds Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.

Since Khan’s counsel was unavailable, the cross-examination of investigation officer Mian Umar could not be completed.

The PTI leader’s legal team in an application before Judge Nasir Javed Rana requested that Khan be allowed to call his children.

The court issued notices to the jail administration for the same and adjourned the hearing, the report said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan has refused to apologise for the May 9 riots that erupted after his arrest last year and claimed that it was the Army that owed him an apology since he was “abducted” by the paramilitary rangers on the day of the violence.

Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan has refused to apologise for the May 9 riots that erupted after his arrest last year and claimed that it was the Army that owed him an apology since he was “abducted” by the paramilitary rangers on the day of the violence. Khan, 71, was on May 9, 2023, arrested by the Pakistan Rangers from the Islamabad High Court premises during his appearance in a corruption case. His arrest sparked countrywide protests and riots by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters who damaged civilian as well as military installations across the country. Also watch | Pakistan: Trouble mounts for former PM Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi; 11 cases related to May 2023 riots × Army spokesman Maj Gen Ahmed Sharif, on May 7 this year, said that any dialogue with the PTI could happen if the party apologised for its “politics of anarchy”. The statement was followed by calls from different quarters that Khan should apologise for the “Black Day” violence. During a media talk on Saturday at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, when Khan was asked whether he would tender an apology for the May 9 violence, he responded by saying that he had no reason to apologise, further adding that he was arrested by the rangers headed by a serving major general from the premises of the Islamabad High Court, the Dawn newspaper reported. The former premier, who over the past few weeks has repeatedly expressed his willingness to talk to the army and not with the government, reiterating his position, said he would only hold talks with the “real authority” as negotiations with the government were “a futile exercise”. He alleged that talks with the government would be counterproductive as there is an unannounced martial law in the country. The cricketer-turned-politician also added that talks with “people in the power corridors” would be within the ambit of the Constitution. Dawn further reported that responding to a question that, senior politician and ally Mahmood Khan Achakzai has declined to become the focal person for proposed talks with the establishment, Khan said the senior leader had been nominated to negotiate with political parties. Earlier this week, the former premier said his party was ready for talks with the military establishment but laid down preconditions: the return of his party’s “stolen mandate”, the release of all detained party workers, and the holding of transparent elections. Khan also urged the military to nominate their representatives for talks. Talking about his prison woes, the former prime minister said he twice suffered from food poisoning as he had no refrigerator in his cell to preserve the food properly. Referring to the new Toshakhana reference in which he and his wife Bushra Bibi are the accused, Khan said the case was a “clear violation of the National Accountability Ordinance”. He claimed still having in his possession the Graff watch, which he is accused of selling in the NAB reference. Khan said he had moved his valuable possessions to a safer location following a raid at his Banigala residence in March last year. He warned of legal proceedings against the NAB chairman, interior minister, and those officers who implicated him in “false cases”. Earlier, the accountability court adjourned till August 7 the proceedings in the 190 million pounds Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. Since Khan’s counsel was unavailable, the cross-examination of investigation officer Mian Umar could not be completed. The PTI leader’s legal team in an application before Judge Nasir Javed Rana requested that Khan be allowed to call his children. The court issued notices to the jail administration for the same and adjourned the hearing, the report said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Pakistan’s jailed former PM Imran Khan says ‘army should apologise’

In Pakistan, there is no end to troubles for the former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. In the latest, Bushra Bibi has been named as a suspect in 15 cases.

Pakistan: Ex-PM Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi named as suspect in 15 cases

Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced that his party is ready to engage in "conditional negotiations" with the country's powerful military and has appointed a representative for the talks.

"We will hold conditional negotiations if the military leadership appoints its representative," a post from Khan's official X handle said on Wednesday (Jul&nbsp;31), which cited a message from him from inside a jail on Tuesday.

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سابق وزیراعظم عمران خان کا عدالت سے پیغام: 
(۳۰ جولائی ۲۰۲۴) 
 
پاکستان تحریک انصاف ۹۰ فیصد اندرون اور بیرون ملک پاکستانیوں کی نمائندہ جماعت ہے۔ فارم ۴۷ کے سہارے آئی ہوئی کٹھ پتلی حکومت بطور ادارہ فوج اور قوم کے درمیان دراڑیں ڈالنے کی کوشش کر رہی ہے، جو کامیاب نہیں ہونے دیں گے۔…
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1818340884389208463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The military's media wing did not respond to news agency Reuters request for comment.

It may be mentioned here&nbsp;that the army has previously ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 63-year history but refuted it is currently involved in politics.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-to-complete-one-year-in-jail-on-august-5-pti-party-to-protest-against-indiscriminate-crackdown-745105">Imran Khan completes one year in jail on August 5, PTI party to protest against 'indiscriminate crackdown'</a>

Khan has been in jail since last August and was convicted in some cases ahead of the national election scheduled for February. He is also facing dozens of other ongoing cases.

Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party say the charges against him were politically motivated to thwart his return to power.

Notably, the candidates backed by PTI had a stronger-than-expected showing in the country's election and recently, a court ruled that the party was eligible for extra reserved seats, though still not enough to rule outright.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-ex-pm-imran-khan-refuses-polygraph-and-other-forensic-tests-amid-may-9-riot-investigations-743649" target="_blank">Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan refuses polygraph and other forensic tests amid May 9 riot investigations</a>

Khan stated that one of the conditions for negotiations was that "clean and transparent" elections be held and that what he called "bogus" cases against his supporters be dropped.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai, a close political ally of Khan and leader of a smaller party, will represent him in the negotiation talks.

<h2>Imran Khan to completes one year in jail</h2>

August 5 (Monday) marks one year of Pakistan's former prime minister, Imran Khan's incarceration. To mark the one-year anniversary of the imprisonment of the party founder, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a series of nationwide protests set for August 5.&nbsp;

PTI stalwart Asad Qaiser during a press conference held in Islamabad said, "August 5 marks the day of PTI founder's arrest, we will stage protests on that day."

Qaiser also demanded an end to the "baseless cases" against PTI leaders, highlighting the continued arrests of party members.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced that his party is ready to engage in "conditional negotiations" with the country's powerful military and has appointed a representative for the talks.

Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced that his party is ready to engage in "conditional negotiations" with the country's powerful military and has appointed a representative for the talks. "We will hold conditional negotiations if the military leadership appoints its representative," a post from Khan's official X handle said on Wednesday (Jul 31), which cited a message from him from inside a jail on Tuesday. سابق وزیراعظم عمران خان کا عدالت سے پیغام: (۳۰ جولائی ۲۰۲۴) پاکستان تحریک انصاف ۹۰ فیصد اندرون اور بیرون ملک پاکستانیوں کی نمائندہ جماعت ہے۔ فارم ۴۷ کے سہارے آئی ہوئی کٹھ پتلی حکومت بطور ادارہ فوج اور قوم کے درمیان دراڑیں ڈالنے کی کوشش کر رہی ہے، جو کامیاب نہیں ہونے دیں گے۔… — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 30, 2024 × The military's media wing did not respond to news agency Reuters request for comment. It may be mentioned here that the army has previously ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 63-year history but refuted it is currently involved in politics. Also read: Imran Khan completes one year in jail on August 5, PTI party to protest against 'indiscriminate crackdown' Khan has been in jail since last August and was convicted in some cases ahead of the national election scheduled for February. He is also facing dozens of other ongoing cases. Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party say the charges against him were politically motivated to thwart his return to power. Notably, the candidates backed by PTI had a stronger-than-expected showing in the country's election and recently, a court ruled that the party was eligible for extra reserved seats, though still not enough to rule outright. Also read | Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan refuses polygraph and other forensic tests amid May 9 riot investigations Khan stated that one of the conditions for negotiations was that "clean and transparent" elections be held and that what he called "bogus" cases against his supporters be dropped. Mahmood Khan Achakzai, a close political ally of Khan and leader of a smaller party, will represent him in the negotiation talks. Imran Khan to completes one year in jail August 5 (Monday) marks one year of Pakistan's former prime minister, Imran Khan's incarceration. To mark the one-year anniversary of the imprisonment of the party founder, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a series of nationwide protests set for August 5. PTI stalwart Asad Qaiser during a press conference held in Islamabad said, "August 5 marks the day of PTI founder's arrest, we will stage protests on that day." Qaiser also demanded an end to the "baseless cases" against PTI leaders, highlighting the continued arrests of party members. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan expresses readiness for talks with military

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