<p>Pakistan's establishment is resorting to "all kinds of blackmail" to ensure a continuous outflow of leaders, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and&nbsp;former prime minister Imran Khan told WION in Islamabad on Wednesday after he was until June 19 in the Al-Qadir Trust case involving an alleged corruption of over Rs 50 billion.</p>

<p>The South Asian nation's military-intelligence nexus is often dubbed as "establishment", and has been widely described as the real power running the country's state of affairs.</p>

<p>"The government and establishment are the same thing. The country is being run by the establishment," Khan told WION on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/to-coup-or-not-coup-pakistan-armys-options-after-imran-khans-mini-intifada-592986">To coup or not coup: Pakistan Army’s options after Imran Khan’s 'mini-intifada'</a></strong></p>

<p>Asked about PTI's top politicians abandoning ship after the events of May 9, 2023, Imran Khan told WION:</p>

<p>"There is unprecedented pressure put on the individuals by the agencies. Such things have never happened before."</p>

<p>A number of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's top leaders, including&nbsp;Shireen Mazari, Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail, Aamir Mehmood Kiani, Ali Zaidi and Maleeka Bokhari, among others have left the party in the weeks following May 9, 2023.</p>

<p>"They [agencies] approach them, they blackmail them, they show them the tapes, they destroy their businesses. They barge into their homes," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan: Imran Khan and his wife put on no-fly list</strong></p>

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<p>Khan said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led ruling alliance's accusation&nbsp;deeming&nbsp;PTI to be a "terror outfit" is nothing short of a conspiracy.</p>

<p>"It is a conspiracy to somehow get the PTI out of the election race," he said. "This has nothing to do with the events of May 9," added the PTI chief while referring to the violent demonstrations which erupted in parts of Pakistan following his arrest on May 9 in the Al-Qadir Trust case.</p>

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Pakistan's establishment is resorting to "all kinds of blackmail" to ensure a continuous outflow of leaders, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former prime minister Imran Khan told WION in Islamabad on Wednesday after he was until June 19 in the Al-Qadir Trust case involving an alleged corruption of over Rs 50 billion.

Pakistan's establishment is resorting to "all kinds of blackmail" to ensure a continuous outflow of leaders, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former prime minister Imran Khan told WION in Islamabad on Wednesday after he was until June 19 in the Al-Qadir Trust case involving an alleged corruption of over Rs 50 billion. The South Asian nation's military-intelligence nexus is often dubbed as "establishment", and has been widely described as the real power running the country's state of affairs. "The government and establishment are the same thing. The country is being run by the establishment," Khan told WION on Tuesday. ALSO READ | To coup or not coup: Pakistan Army’s options after Imran Khan’s 'mini-intifada' Asked about PTI's top politicians abandoning ship after the events of May 9, 2023, Imran Khan told WION: "There is unprecedented pressure put on the individuals by the agencies. Such things have never happened before." A number of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's top leaders, including Shireen Mazari, Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail, Aamir Mehmood Kiani, Ali Zaidi and Maleeka Bokhari, among others have left the party in the weeks following May 9, 2023. "They [agencies] approach them, they blackmail them, they show them the tapes, they destroy their businesses. They barge into their homes," he added. ALSO WATCH | Pakistan: Imran Khan and his wife put on no-fly list × Khan said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led ruling alliance's accusation deeming PTI to be a "terror outfit" is nothing short of a conspiracy. "It is a conspiracy to somehow get the PTI out of the election race," he said. "This has nothing to do with the events of May 9," added the PTI chief while referring to the violent demonstrations which erupted in parts of Pakistan following his arrest on May 9 in the Al-Qadir Trust case. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive | Pakistan is being run by the 'establishment': Imran Khan

PTI Chief Imran Khan's bail has been extended for three days in the Al Qadir Trust case. Before entering the courtroom Pakistan's former Prime Minister spoke exclusively to WION stating that there is a conspiracy to get him and his party out of the election race.

PTI Chief Imran Khan's bail extended in 3 cases | Pakistan News

Breaking: Imran Khan's bail extended for 3 days | Pakistan News

Pak Interior Minister has accused Khan of planning attacks on military installations after he was arrested on May 9. Military courts are primarily used to try enemies of the state. Pak politicians have frequently been arrested & jailed since the country's founding in 1947. But few have so directly challenged a military that holds significant influence over domestic politics & foreign policy. Pakistani military has staged at least three coups & over three decades.

Imran Khan vs Army: Ex-Pak PM the solo arbiter for his party, PTI

<p>Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chief Imran Khan refused to appear before a&nbsp;Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the May 9 attack on Lahore's Jinnah House on Tuesday (May 30), citing grave security threats as the reason.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan was to appear before the JIT at 4&nbsp;pm but instead,&nbsp;sent a written response through his lawyers saying he had very limited time to respond to the summons he received a day before from the probe committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Given the severity of the security threats, unnecessary exposure can be avoided, apart from court hearings," he wrote in his response.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There are now reports from credible sources of another attack during public appearances in joining investigation," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan urged the probe team to conduct further questioning in the case at his Zaman Park residence instead of asking him to come to the headquarters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am available in person at Zaman Park or absolutely willing to join the investigation through the method of video conferencing,” said Imran, adding,&nbsp;“Other than court hearings, I have not left my residence due to the severity of security threats."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;PTI chief Imran Khan names his 'replacements' in case he is arrested or disqualified</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Imran pleads his innocence&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The probe body&nbsp;being led by&nbsp;Lahore DIG Investigations Kamran Adil had ordered Khan to appear in person at the&nbsp;Investigations Headquarters, Qila Gujjar Singh in Lahore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Imran pleaded his innocence saying he was in the 'illegal' custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) when the violent incidents took place on May 9. The former prime minister, however, maintained that he was fully cooperating with the&nbsp;investigation agencies despite the registration of a large number of “false” cases against him.</p>

<h2><strong>The Jinnah House vandalism</strong></h2>

<p>After Imran's arrest by the Pakistani Rangers outside Islamabad High Court on May 9, a legion of his supporters staged an attack on the Corps Commander's house, also known as the Jinnah House in Lahore. Images and videos of the video quickly went viral on social media platforms and showed Imran's loyalists resorting to anarchy to protest against the arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan: Khadija Shah accused of planning the attack on Jinnah house</strong></p>

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<p>×</p>

<p>Notably, one of Imran's loyalists,&nbsp;Khadija Shah has been named as the prime suspect and mastermind of the Jinnah House vandalism.&nbsp;Shah is a famous fashion designer who has founded women’s clothing brands “Elan” and “Zaha". She is considered one of the biggest supporters of Imran.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chief Imran Khan refused to appear before a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the May 9 attack on Lahore's Jinnah House on Tuesday (May 30), citing grave security threats as the reason.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chief Imran Khan refused to appear before a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the May 9 attack on Lahore's Jinnah House on Tuesday (May 30), citing grave security threats as the reason. Khan was to appear before the JIT at 4 pm but instead, sent a written response through his lawyers saying he had very limited time to respond to the summons he received a day before from the probe committee. "Given the severity of the security threats, unnecessary exposure can be avoided, apart from court hearings," he wrote in his response. "There are now reports from credible sources of another attack during public appearances in joining investigation," he added. Khan urged the probe team to conduct further questioning in the case at his Zaman Park residence instead of asking him to come to the headquarters. “I am available in person at Zaman Park or absolutely willing to join the investigation through the method of video conferencing,” said Imran, adding, “Other than court hearings, I have not left my residence due to the severity of security threats." ALSO READ | PTI chief Imran Khan names his 'replacements' in case he is arrested or disqualified Imran pleads his innocence The probe body being led by Lahore DIG Investigations Kamran Adil had ordered Khan to appear in person at the Investigations Headquarters, Qila Gujjar Singh in Lahore. Imran pleaded his innocence saying he was in the 'illegal' custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) when the violent incidents took place on May 9. The former prime minister, however, maintained that he was fully cooperating with the investigation agencies despite the registration of a large number of “false” cases against him. The Jinnah House vandalism After Imran's arrest by the Pakistani Rangers outside Islamabad High Court on May 9, a legion of his supporters staged an attack on the Corps Commander's house, also known as the Jinnah House in Lahore. Images and videos of the video quickly went viral on social media platforms and showed Imran's loyalists resorting to anarchy to protest against the arrest. WATCH | Pakistan: Khadija Shah accused of planning the attack on Jinnah house × Notably, one of Imran's loyalists, Khadija Shah has been named as the prime suspect and mastermind of the Jinnah House vandalism. Shah is a famous fashion designer who has founded women’s clothing brands “Elan” and “Zaha". She is considered one of the biggest supporters of Imran. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Imran Khan refuses to appear before JIT in Jinnah House attack probe

Pakistan's rulers seeking to destroy Imran Khan's support? Former PM increasingly becoming isolated

<p>Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan will be tried in military court&nbsp;for planning and executing attacks on military installations after he was arrested on May 9 in an alleged corruption case by military-affiliated Punjab Rangers, said Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Sanaullah made the comments on a news show with Dawn News.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-may-9-faultlines-live-former-pm-imran-khan-granted-bail-by-anti-terrorism-court-598337">Pakistan May 9 faultlines highlights&nbsp;| Former PM Imran Khan granted bail by Anti-Terrorism Court</a></strong></p>

<p>The interior minister accused Imran of personally carrying out the "planning of the attacks" before his arrest on May 9. "There is evidence to prove [this claim]," Sanaullah was quoted as saying by Dawn.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Imran Khan calls for 'true freedom'</strong></h2>

<p>In an address to his party supporters, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman said that sacrifices will have to be "rendered for freedom."</p>

<p>"This is the time for us to struggle for our Haqeeqi Azadi (true freedom)," Khan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A strong government is not the one that has the establishment’s support, but the one that has the people’s support," he added while referring to the civilian-military nexus of mutual dependence dubbed as an establishment in Pakistan.</p>

<p>"Only a government that comes with the public mandate can make big decisions, bring reforms and reinstate the rule of law," Khan said.</p>

<p>Earlier on Tuesday, Imran Khan appeared at an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore city in connection with cases related to the violent demonstrations that erupted across the South Asian country following his arrest by military-affiliated Punjab Rangers on May 9.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan: Imran Khan and his wife put on no-fly list</strong></p>

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<p>The powerful visuals of Imran Khan's supporters carrying out violent demonstrations inside the premises that hosted the country's military installations continue to haunt the cricket star-turned-ousted prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fallout within Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party has seen top leaders abandoning the PTI ship while citing the May 9 attacks on military installations.</p>

<h2><strong>Imran Khan should be held responsible for his ‘militant acts’: PM Shehbaz Sharif</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that dialogue [between the PTI and government] is "deeply embedded in the political process", adding that it helped democracy to "mature and evolve".</p>

<p>"Many political and constitutional breakthroughs occurred when political leaders sat across the table to craft a consensus," he said.</p>

<p>"However, there is a major difference here, the anarchists and arsonists who wear the garb of politicians and attack the symbols of the state do not qualify for a dialogue. They should rather be held to account for their militant actions. This is the prevalent practice even in developed democracies," he said.</p>

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Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan will be tried in military court for planning and executing attacks on military installations after he was arrested on May 9 in an alleged corruption case by military-affiliated Punjab Rangers, said Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday.

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan will be tried in military court for planning and executing attacks on military installations after he was arrested on May 9 in an alleged corruption case by military-affiliated Punjab Rangers, said Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday. Sanaullah made the comments on a news show with Dawn News. ALSO READ | Pakistan May 9 faultlines highlights | Former PM Imran Khan granted bail by Anti-Terrorism Court The interior minister accused Imran of personally carrying out the "planning of the attacks" before his arrest on May 9. "There is evidence to prove [this claim]," Sanaullah was quoted as saying by Dawn. Imran Khan calls for 'true freedom' In an address to his party supporters, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman said that sacrifices will have to be "rendered for freedom." "This is the time for us to struggle for our Haqeeqi Azadi (true freedom)," Khan said. "A strong government is not the one that has the establishment’s support, but the one that has the people’s support," he added while referring to the civilian-military nexus of mutual dependence dubbed as an establishment in Pakistan. "Only a government that comes with the public mandate can make big decisions, bring reforms and reinstate the rule of law," Khan said. Earlier on Tuesday, Imran Khan appeared at an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore city in connection with cases related to the violent demonstrations that erupted across the South Asian country following his arrest by military-affiliated Punjab Rangers on May 9. ALSO WATCH | Pakistan: Imran Khan and his wife put on no-fly list × The powerful visuals of Imran Khan's supporters carrying out violent demonstrations inside the premises that hosted the country's military installations continue to haunt the cricket star-turned-ousted prime minister. The fallout within Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party has seen top leaders abandoning the PTI ship while citing the May 9 attacks on military installations. Imran Khan should be held responsible for his ‘militant acts’: PM Shehbaz Sharif Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that dialogue [between the PTI and government] is "deeply embedded in the political process", adding that it helped democracy to "mature and evolve". "Many political and constitutional breakthroughs occurred when political leaders sat across the table to craft a consensus," he said. "However, there is a major difference here, the anarchists and arsonists who wear the garb of politicians and attack the symbols of the state do not qualify for a dialogue. They should rather be held to account for their militant actions. This is the prevalent practice even in developed democracies," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Imran Khan to be put on trial in military court: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah

<p>In Pakistan's 75 years of existence, a sentence on state broadcaster Pakistan TV or PTV has remained a near-constant to orally draft country's profound moments of reckoning: "Pakistan at this point of time is going through a critical phase in its history (<em>Pakistan iss waqt ek nazuk daur se guzar raha hai</em>)."</p>

<p>Hours after former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested inside Islamabad High Court on May 9, a mass of protesters pushed through the gates of the national army headquarters in Rawalpindi, whose stamp of governance continues to thump over capital Islamabad's corridors of power almost since Pakistan came into being in 1947.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state broadcaster then repeated the aforementioned standard phrase of crisis before tuning to the popular Turkish drama Ertuğrul.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-arrest-how-isi-angels-rule-pakistan-590710">Imran Khan arrest: How ISI 'angels' rule Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>Protesters, mostly Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, made it a point to attack the symbols of Pakistani army's assertiveness on their country of over 230 million.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan: Protests erupt after Imran Khan's arrest</strong></p>

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<p>The military has directly ruled Pakistan for over 30 years in the last 75 years. Even under the civilian governments, military leaders have kept an iron grip on power. To Islamabad's prime minister's office, the military has pushed in the politicians of its choosing and pulled out those who stepped out of line.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Few who dared any open defiance were either politically decimated or literally eliminated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Imran Khan, Pakistan's only world cup winning cricket captain-turned-political phenomenon, elevated this rare defiance soon after he was ousted as prime minister in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For months, Khan accused Major-General Faisal Naseer, a Pakistani military intelligence officer of planning an alleged assassination attempt that wounded him in November 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After falling out of favour with the ‘establishment’ – country’s powerful military-intelligence complex – a web of corruption charges made way to Khan,&nbsp;like they had to his predecessors, none of whom ever completed their five-year tenures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But unlike his immediate predecessors, such as Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Nawaz Sharif, Khan skipped court appearances and often took to grand political gatherings to rally against the army generals —&nbsp;a nearly blasphemous act within Pakistan's purported democratic structure cemented by the 'establishment'.</p>

<p>On May 9, the ‘establishment’&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/vikrantkumar/status/1655874467753758720?s=20">broke through the glass barriers</a> inside an Islamabad courtroom where Khan was attending a corruption hearing. Moments later, while being pushed and shoved by the Pakistan Rangers,&nbsp;Imran Khan was seen following the jailed suit of many of his predecessors.</p>

<p>While the arrest warrant against Khan was issued by Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the actual arrest was made by Pakistan Rangers.</p>

<p>“Nobody has any doubt in Pakistan that the military supports whatever is being done to Imran Khan,” TCA Raghavan, India’s former high commissioner to Pakistan and adviser to New Delhi-based Global Counter Terrorism Council, told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, an accountability court authorised Khan to be detained for eight days in connection with a corruption case, dubbed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/al-qadir-trust-case-everything-about-the-case-that-led-to-former-pak-pm-imran-khans-arrest-590646">Al-Qadir trust case</a>, which reportedly involves the transfer of real estate. Khan has denied the corruption&nbsp;charges while expressing concerns for his safety.</p>

<p>At least five people have been killed in protests since May 9. More than 1,000 people have been arrested in the Punjab province alone. The protests, however, continue despite a sharp crackdown by the military, putting the country's real power centre at a cliff-edge spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is because like many populist leaders of the country, for years Khan cultivated support within the military which paved the way for his prime ministerial elevation in 2018. An escalated crackdown on Khan’s supporters could create cracks within the military facing the challenge to reign supreme in a country which is facing one of its worst economic crises since 2007, the last time Rawalpindi’s military-intelligence complex had a formal claim to power with General Pervez Musharraf at the helm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This time, the army has painted Imran Khan’s supporters as “the very group that wants to push Pakistan into a civil war.” Meanwhile, Khan’s supporters and skeptics within the current coalition federal government in Islamabad have pointed to history when such a similar sequence of events led to formal military coups.</p>

<p>“The military is not inclined towards directly taking power in Pakistan. They would rather be behind-the-scenes,” Raghavan added. They want to keep the pretense of democracy, he emphasised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Also they understand that Pakistan now is a very complex and a difficult society to govern. It is not like the early days when the generals would usurp power after the coup.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Khan’s supporters across Pakistan continue to be on the streets, vowing that they won’t budge until their leader is released.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="Pakistan protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f7bf73cb-c513-48ac-b68f-055f9bf0254b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-05-11T043506.579.png" /></p>

<p><em>Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party activists and supporters of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan place a skip along a road during a protest against the arrest of their leader, in Peshawar on May 10, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>“Imran Khan has gone to an extent which other political personalities of Pakistan have not,” said Raghavan, while pointing to the PTI leader’s opposition to the army. “His options seem to have narrowed. But they are bolstered by the fact that he has public&nbsp;support.”</p>

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In Pakistan's 75 years of existence, a sentence on state broadcaster Pakistan TV or PTV has remained a near-constant to orally draft country's profound moments of reckoning: "Pakistan at this point of time is going through a critical phase in its history (Pakistan iss waqt ek nazuk daur se guzar raha hai).

In Pakistan's 75 years of existence, a sentence on state broadcaster Pakistan TV or PTV has remained a near-constant to orally draft country's profound moments of reckoning: "Pakistan at this point of time is going through a critical phase in its history (Pakistan iss waqt ek nazuk daur se guzar raha hai)." Hours after former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested inside Islamabad High Court on May 9, a mass of protesters pushed through the gates of the national army headquarters in Rawalpindi, whose stamp of governance continues to thump over capital Islamabad's corridors of power almost since Pakistan came into being in 1947. The state broadcaster then repeated the aforementioned standard phrase of crisis before tuning to the popular Turkish drama Ertuğrul. ALSO READ | Imran Khan arrest: How ISI 'angels' rule Pakistan Protesters, mostly Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, made it a point to attack the symbols of Pakistani army's assertiveness on their country of over 230 million. ALSO WATCH | Pakistan: Protests erupt after Imran Khan's arrest × The military has directly ruled Pakistan for over 30 years in the last 75 years. Even under the civilian governments, military leaders have kept an iron grip on power. To Islamabad's prime minister's office, the military has pushed in the politicians of its choosing and pulled out those who stepped out of line. Few who dared any open defiance were either politically decimated or literally eliminated. Imran Khan, Pakistan's only world cup winning cricket captain-turned-political phenomenon, elevated this rare defiance soon after he was ousted as prime minister in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022. For months, Khan accused Major-General Faisal Naseer, a Pakistani military intelligence officer of planning an alleged assassination attempt that wounded him in November 2022. After falling out of favour with the ‘establishment’ – country’s powerful military-intelligence complex – a web of corruption charges made way to Khan, like they had to his predecessors, none of whom ever completed their five-year tenures. But unlike his immediate predecessors, such as Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Nawaz Sharif, Khan skipped court appearances and often took to grand political gatherings to rally against the army generals — a nearly blasphemous act within Pakistan's purported democratic structure cemented by the 'establishment'. On May 9, the ‘establishment’ broke through the glass barriers inside an Islamabad courtroom where Khan was attending a corruption hearing. Moments later, while being pushed and shoved by the Pakistan Rangers, Imran Khan was seen following the jailed suit of many of his predecessors. While the arrest warrant against Khan was issued by Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the actual arrest was made by Pakistan Rangers. “Nobody has any doubt in Pakistan that the military supports whatever is being done to Imran Khan,” TCA Raghavan, India’s former high commissioner to Pakistan and adviser to New Delhi-based Global Counter Terrorism Council, told WION. On Wednesday, an accountability court authorised Khan to be detained for eight days in connection with a corruption case, dubbed Al-Qadir trust case, which reportedly involves the transfer of real estate. Khan has denied the corruption charges while expressing concerns for his safety. At least five people have been killed in protests since May 9. More than 1,000 people have been arrested in the Punjab province alone. The protests, however, continue despite a sharp crackdown by the military, putting the country's real power centre at a cliff-edge spot. This is because like many populist leaders of the country, for years Khan cultivated support within the military which paved the way for his prime ministerial elevation in 2018. An escalated crackdown on Khan’s supporters could create cracks within the military facing the challenge to reign supreme in a country which is facing one of its worst economic crises since 2007, the last time Rawalpindi’s military-intelligence complex had a formal claim to power with General Pervez Musharraf at the helm. This time, the army has painted Imran Khan’s supporters as “the very group that wants to push Pakistan into a civil war.” Meanwhile, Khan’s supporters and skeptics within the current coalition federal government in Islamabad have pointed to history when such a similar sequence of events led to formal military coups. “The military is not inclined towards directly taking power in Pakistan. They would rather be behind-the-scenes,” Raghavan added. They want to keep the pretense of democracy, he emphasised. “Also they understand that Pakistan now is a very complex and a difficult society to govern. It is not like the early days when the generals would usurp power after the coup.” Meanwhile, Khan’s supporters across Pakistan continue to be on the streets, vowing that they won’t budge until their leader is released. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party activists and supporters of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan place a skip along a road during a protest against the arrest of their leader, in Peshawar on May 10, 2023 | AFP “Imran Khan has gone to an extent which other political personalities of Pakistan have not,” said Raghavan, while pointing to the PTI leader’s opposition to the army. “His options seem to have narrowed. But they are bolstered by the fact that he has public support.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Where is Pakistan headed after Imran Khan's arrest, violent protests: Towards coup or civil war?

The Pakistani establishment has now zeroed down on the chief of the PTI, Imran Khan, amidst the massive crackdown on PTI leaders. A joint investigation team has summoned the former prime minister and the joint investigation team is now probing the 9th of May violence, especially the incident that took place at the Lahore's Corps Commander's House and the other military installations. But defiant Imran Khan however has decided not to appear before the team.

Defiant Imran Khan dodges probe team's summons | Pakistan News

<p>The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has taken a controversial step in its inquiry into the Jinnah House attack that occurred on May 9. According to sources, the JIT has decided to summon former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan for questioning regarding the acts of vandalism and arson that took place on that day. Call-up notices have been issued to Imran Khan, instructing him to appear before investigators on Tuesday.</p>

<h2><strong>10 separate teams constituted to investigate cases&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The JIT, led by Deputy Inspector General Kamran Adil, has been actively investigating the incidents that transpired on May 9 and has constituted ten separate teams to delve into the matter. Imran Khan has been implicated in various cases registered at different police stations, including Sarwar Road and Shadman. As part of the ongoing investigation, the JIT has already gathered information from apprehended suspects regarding their connections to Zaman Park.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan accuses government of violating constitution</strong></p>

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<p>In response to the Jinnah House attack, the Punjab Home Department established a JIT on May 27. The team, headed by SSP Investigation Iqbal Town Aqeela Niaz Naqvi, comprises four other officers from the provincial police force. Its primary objective is to thoroughly investigate the incidents of vandalism and arson that took place at the Corp Commander House (Jinnah House) in Lahore.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pti-faces-further-setback-as-3-more-leaders-abandon-imran-khan-in-aftermath-of-may-9-riots-597681">Pakistan: PTI faces further setback as 3 more leaders abandon Imran Khan in aftermath of May 9 riots</a></strong></p>

<p>The attack on Jinnah House was reportedly carried out by several PTI leaders and workers who allegedly stormed the premises in protest of Imran Khan's arrest. Rizwan Zia, the son of retired Major Ziaul Hassan, who served as IGP Punjab and Sindh, was also arrested in connection with the Jinnah House attack case.</p>

<h2><strong>Total 9 cases filed by JIT against Imran Khan</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, the JIT chief submitted a report to the court detailing the cases filed against Imran Khan. During the proceedings, it was revealed that there are currently nine cases against Khan in Punjab, with two of them already closed. The remaining cases are still under investigation.</p>

<p>Earlier, Imran Khan himself condemned the attack on Jinnah House, while stating that these should not have taken place. “Pakistan was defamed by this [attack]. It shouldn't have happened,” the PTI chief said to the media after a week of the attack.</p>

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The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has taken a controversial step in its inquiry into the Jinnah House attack that occurred on May 9. According to sources, the JIT has decided to summon former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan for questioning regarding the acts of vandalism and arson that took place on that day.

The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has taken a controversial step in its inquiry into the Jinnah House attack that occurred on May 9. According to sources, the JIT has decided to summon former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan for questioning regarding the acts of vandalism and arson that took place on that day. Call-up notices have been issued to Imran Khan, instructing him to appear before investigators on Tuesday. 10 separate teams constituted to investigate cases The JIT, led by Deputy Inspector General Kamran Adil, has been actively investigating the incidents that transpired on May 9 and has constituted ten separate teams to delve into the matter. Imran Khan has been implicated in various cases registered at different police stations, including Sarwar Road and Shadman. As part of the ongoing investigation, the JIT has already gathered information from apprehended suspects regarding their connections to Zaman Park. Watch: Ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan accuses government of violating constitution × In response to the Jinnah House attack, the Punjab Home Department established a JIT on May 27. The team, headed by SSP Investigation Iqbal Town Aqeela Niaz Naqvi, comprises four other officers from the provincial police force. Its primary objective is to thoroughly investigate the incidents of vandalism and arson that took place at the Corp Commander House (Jinnah House) in Lahore. Also Read | Pakistan: PTI faces further setback as 3 more leaders abandon Imran Khan in aftermath of May 9 riots The attack on Jinnah House was reportedly carried out by several PTI leaders and workers who allegedly stormed the premises in protest of Imran Khan's arrest. Rizwan Zia, the son of retired Major Ziaul Hassan, who served as IGP Punjab and Sindh, was also arrested in connection with the Jinnah House attack case. Total 9 cases filed by JIT against Imran Khan Earlier this month, the JIT chief submitted a report to the court detailing the cases filed against Imran Khan. During the proceedings, it was revealed that there are currently nine cases against Khan in Punjab, with two of them already closed. The remaining cases are still under investigation. Earlier, Imran Khan himself condemned the attack on Jinnah House, while stating that these should not have taken place. “Pakistan was defamed by this [attack]. It shouldn't have happened,” the PTI chief said to the media after a week of the attack. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Joint Investigation Team summons Imran Khan for probe on May 9 attacks on Jinnah House

Security and protocols have been increased near former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's residence in Lahore. Security was beefed up ahead of the questioning of PTI Chairperson Imran Khan by the Joint Investigation Team.

Imran Khan summoned in Jinnah House Attack case

<p>Just hours after Pakistan's ruling coalition rejected Imran Khan's offer for dialogue, the former prime minister on Sunday (May 28th), in a video message to the masses, urged authorities to "break as many Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)&nbsp;members for the next three to four weeks but announce elections afterwards."</p>

<p>"Don't destroy the country just to keep Imran Khan out of politics, destroy as many people as you want to destroy quickly and don't waste time, announce immediate elections to save the country."</p>

<p>Khan started off the more than 20-minute-long&nbsp;video message by alleging that members of his party have been subject to a litany of abuses at the hands of Pakistani authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about Pakistan Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah's post-midnight press conference, the PTI chief claimed that female members of the party were being "mistreated and harassed by the state" for protesting peacefully.</p>

<p>Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah claimed earlier on Saturday&nbsp;that intelligence agencies intercepted a telephone call in which a plan to “stage a raid and rape at a known PTI&nbsp;worker’s home” was being discussed.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters, Sanaullah said the conspiracy was being hatched to later claim that human rights were being violated in Pakistan, Dawn reported on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-minister-claims-to-expose-conspiracy-to-stage-raid-rape-at-known-pti-workers-house-says-report-597416">Pak minister claims to expose ‘conspiracy to stage raid, rape’ at PTI worker’s house, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>Slamming the interior minister, Imran Khan said: "If there were any doubts about women being mistreated in jails, this press conference from this certified criminal should remove all such doubts."</p>

<p>"He is so obviously trying to cover up and pre-empt the horror stories about to break in the media," added the PTI chief.</p>

<p>In the video shared on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party social media channels, Khan said that "Never have women been humiliated for using their constitutional right to protest peacefully in any democracy let alone in one that is Muslim."</p>

<p>Watch Imran Khan's latest address to Pakistan here:</p>

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<p>"This is a planned campaign to depoliticise about 50 per cent of Pakistan's population."</p>

<p>The same message was shared by Khan in a tweet that is accompanied by a video which allegedly showcases the abuses borne by women in Pakistan.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Never have women been humiliated for using their constitutional right to protest peacefully in any democracy let alone in a one that is muslim.<br />
This is a planned campaign to depoliticise women in the country.<br />
<br />
The clampdown and terror campaign against women is being done so that… <a href="https://t.co/JdEbKPlY9B">pic.twitter.com/JdEbKPlY9B</a></p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1662872194119000065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Khan further counted off his government's achievements, mentioning the 'Billion Tree Tsunami', Pakistan's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, etc. Making mention of "three long marches" that took place during his regime, Khan said that no FIRs happened back then and that "whatever has happened since 25th March is planned".</p>

<p>Comparing the current scenario to General Pervez Musharraf's reign after the military coup of 1999, Khan said that even then, the situation wasn't this bad.</p>

<p>"What's happening now is a negation of our Jamhuriat (democracy)," said Imran Khan, adding that "fundamental rights, Supreme court orders are being ignored."</p>

<p>He also reiterated that the constitutional direction "to hold elections within 90 days was ignored by the government."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-chief-imran-khan-names-his-replacements-in-case-he-is-arrested-or-disqualified-597375">PTI chief Imran Khan names his 'replacements' in case he is arrested or disqualified</a></strong></p>

<p>Khan also said that the media is being blackmailed into silence with threats of harm to their families.</p>

<p>"Democracy is dead," said Khan, adding that he is appealing "to 15 judges of our Supreme Court on behalf of our people."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that "so far it seems that you are losing your power, freedom in front of the powerful" and urged them to "take a stand."</p>

<p>"History will remember your role," he implored.</p>

<p>"It is the right of every citizen to protest peacefully those who cause chaos and vandalism should be dealt with, but to destroy the entire party under the guise of it is the negation of democracy and the law of the jungle."</p>

<p>Khan further urged the "Judiciary to issue a suo motu notice that the women who only protested peacefully should be released and a full judicial inquiry should be conducted into the" chaos that happened during the recent protests in Pakistan.&nbsp;"We will fully cooperate in this," added Imran Khan.&nbsp;</p>

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Just hours after Pakistan's ruling coalition rejected Imran Khan's offer for dialogue, the former prime minister on Sunday (May 28th), in a video message to the masses, urged authorities to "break as many Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members for the next three to four weeks but announce elections afterwards.

Just hours after Pakistan's ruling coalition rejected Imran Khan's offer for dialogue, the former prime minister on Sunday (May 28th), in a video message to the masses, urged authorities to "break as many Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members for the next three to four weeks but announce elections afterwards." "Don't destroy the country just to keep Imran Khan out of politics, destroy as many people as you want to destroy quickly and don't waste time, announce immediate elections to save the country." Khan started off the more than 20-minute-long video message by alleging that members of his party have been subject to a litany of abuses at the hands of Pakistani authorities. Talking about Pakistan Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah's post-midnight press conference, the PTI chief claimed that female members of the party were being "mistreated and harassed by the state" for protesting peacefully. Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah claimed earlier on Saturday that intelligence agencies intercepted a telephone call in which a plan to “stage a raid and rape at a known PTI worker’s home” was being discussed. Speaking to reporters, Sanaullah said the conspiracy was being hatched to later claim that human rights were being violated in Pakistan, Dawn reported on Sunday. Also read | Pak minister claims to expose ‘conspiracy to stage raid, rape’ at PTI worker’s house, says report Slamming the interior minister, Imran Khan said: "If there were any doubts about women being mistreated in jails, this press conference from this certified criminal should remove all such doubts." "He is so obviously trying to cover up and pre-empt the horror stories about to break in the media," added the PTI chief. In the video shared on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party social media channels, Khan said that "Never have women been humiliated for using their constitutional right to protest peacefully in any democracy let alone in one that is Muslim." Watch Imran Khan's latest address to Pakistan here: × "This is a planned campaign to depoliticise about 50 per cent of Pakistan's population." The same message was shared by Khan in a tweet that is accompanied by a video which allegedly showcases the abuses borne by women in Pakistan. Never have women been humiliated for using their constitutional right to protest peacefully in any democracy let alone in a one that is muslim. This is a planned campaign to depoliticise women in the country. The clampdown and terror campaign against women is being done so that… pic.twitter.com/JdEbKPlY9B — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 28, 2023 × Khan further counted off his government's achievements, mentioning the 'Billion Tree Tsunami', Pakistan's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, etc. Making mention of "three long marches" that took place during his regime, Khan said that no FIRs happened back then and that "whatever has happened since 25th March is planned". Comparing the current scenario to General Pervez Musharraf's reign after the military coup of 1999, Khan said that even then, the situation wasn't this bad. "What's happening now is a negation of our Jamhuriat (democracy)," said Imran Khan, adding that "fundamental rights, Supreme court orders are being ignored." He also reiterated that the constitutional direction "to hold elections within 90 days was ignored by the government." Also read | PTI chief Imran Khan names his 'replacements' in case he is arrested or disqualified Khan also said that the media is being blackmailed into silence with threats of harm to their families. "Democracy is dead," said Khan, adding that he is appealing "to 15 judges of our Supreme Court on behalf of our people." He said that "so far it seems that you are losing your power, freedom in front of the powerful" and urged them to "take a stand." "History will remember your role," he implored. "It is the right of every citizen to protest peacefully those who cause chaos and vandalism should be dealt with, but to destroy the entire party under the guise of it is the negation of democracy and the law of the jungle." Khan further urged the "Judiciary to issue a suo motu notice that the women who only protested peacefully should be released and a full judicial inquiry should be conducted into the" chaos that happened during the recent protests in Pakistan. "We will fully cooperate in this," added Imran Khan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘PM Sharif govt worse than Musharraf’s,’ says Imran Khan as he urges Supreme Court to take action

Pakistan is still witnessing the ripple effect of the May 9th violence in an unexpected move some agitators entered the House of the Corps Commander and set it on fire. The police arrested Khadija Shah and the police are calling her a prime suspect behind the attack. Now five days after the arrest her confession video has been released and it is believed that it was recorded just before her arrest.

PTI activist Khadija apologizes for her tweet against Pakistan army in video

<p>A video of Khadija Shah, one of the prime suspects in&nbsp;the Jinnah House vandalism case has surfaced. In the clip, Shah can be seen issuing an apology for her involvement in the violent events of May 9 after the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chief Imran Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although it cannot be ascertained when the video was shot, Shah can be seen condemning the May 9 events as well as apologising for her tweet against Pakistan military high command.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mere aziz humwatano!<br />
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Khadija Shah’s software updated. You’re welcome.<br />
<br />
pic.twitter.com/gDsvFqU0Wa</p>
— Gen Syed Asim Munir (parody) (@JungjooGernail) May 28, 2023</blockquote>
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<p>Shah is a famous fashion designer who has founded women’s clothing brands “Elan” and “Zaha". She is considered one of the biggest supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the army and government intel, she was the master of the attack on the Corps Commander's house in Lahore. However, she claimed that Pakistan Army barged into her home and roughened up her family members.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They (authorities) barged into my house at midnight and abducted my husband and father. They roughed up my husband in front of our children... my domestic workers were also subjected to torture,” Khadija claimed.</p>

<p>After clamour surrounding her involvement in the violence started to grow, Shah&nbsp;voluntarily surrendered at Lahore's&nbsp;Iqbal Town police station on May 23, following which she was remanded to&nbsp;a seven-day judicial custody.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan: Khadija Shah accused of planning the attack on Jinnah house</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Shehbaz Sharif's tough words&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The apology video by Shah has surfaced a few days after Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif during a public address said<strong>&nbsp;</strong>the perpetrators&nbsp;responsible for May 9 riots will be tried in the same way as the US Capitol Hill attackers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, in the city of Quaid, we all are ashamed of what happened on May 9 in Lahore. Justice requires punishing the perpetrators like the rioters of the Capitol building on January 6, 2021," said Sharif.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If that [American] punishment is legal, then no one should object if we do so under our law for the desecration of the memorials," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;PTI chief Imran Khan names his 'replacements' in case he is arrested or disqualified</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Imran taking evasive measures&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, with pressure mounting from all quarters, Khan&nbsp;has named Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and&nbsp;Pervez Khattak as the two leaders to lead the party in case he is arrested or disqualified by the authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know that there is a plan to arrest me, disqualify me, or even kill me. If I am arrested or disqualified, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak will handle the [party] affairs," Khan was quoted as saying by Pakistani media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan made the announcement on Saturday as he constituted a&nbsp;negotiating team to hold talks with the government. Apart from Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak, the likes of&nbsp;Asad Qaiser, Haleem Adil Sheikh, Aun Abbasi, Murad Saeed, and Hammad Azhar have been named to the committee.</p>

<p>They will be&nbsp;responsible for formulating a plan of action in relation to the elections and engaging with the government.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A video of Khadija Shah, one of the prime suspects in the Jinnah House vandalism case has surfaced. In the clip, Shah can be seen issuing an apology for her involvement in the violent events of May 9 after the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chief Imran Khan.

A video of Khadija Shah, one of the prime suspects in the Jinnah House vandalism case has surfaced. In the clip, Shah can be seen issuing an apology for her involvement in the violent events of May 9 after the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chief Imran Khan. Although it cannot be ascertained when the video was shot, Shah can be seen condemning the May 9 events as well as apologising for her tweet against Pakistan military high command. Mere aziz humwatano! Khadija Shah’s software updated. You’re welcome. pic.twitter.com/gDsvFqU0Wa — Gen Syed Asim Munir (parody) (@JungjooGernail) May 28, 2023 × Shah is a famous fashion designer who has founded women’s clothing brands “Elan” and “Zaha". She is considered one of the biggest supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan. According to the army and government intel, she was the master of the attack on the Corps Commander's house in Lahore. However, she claimed that Pakistan Army barged into her home and roughened up her family members. “They (authorities) barged into my house at midnight and abducted my husband and father. They roughed up my husband in front of our children... my domestic workers were also subjected to torture,” Khadija claimed. After clamour surrounding her involvement in the violence started to grow, Shah voluntarily surrendered at Lahore's Iqbal Town police station on May 23, following which she was remanded to a seven-day judicial custody. WATCH | Pakistan: Khadija Shah accused of planning the attack on Jinnah house × Shehbaz Sharif's tough words The apology video by Shah has surfaced a few days after Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif during a public address said the perpetrators responsible for May 9 riots will be tried in the same way as the US Capitol Hill attackers. "Today, in the city of Quaid, we all are ashamed of what happened on May 9 in Lahore. Justice requires punishing the perpetrators like the rioters of the Capitol building on January 6, 2021," said Sharif. “If that [American] punishment is legal, then no one should object if we do so under our law for the desecration of the memorials," he added. ALSO READ | PTI chief Imran Khan names his 'replacements' in case he is arrested or disqualified Imran taking evasive measures Meanwhile, with pressure mounting from all quarters, Khan has named Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak as the two leaders to lead the party in case he is arrested or disqualified by the authorities. "I know that there is a plan to arrest me, disqualify me, or even kill me. If I am arrested or disqualified, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak will handle the [party] affairs," Khan was quoted as saying by Pakistani media. Khan made the announcement on Saturday as he constituted a negotiating team to hold talks with the government. Apart from Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak, the likes of Asad Qaiser, Haleem Adil Sheikh, Aun Abbasi, Murad Saeed, and Hammad Azhar have been named to the committee. They will be responsible for formulating a plan of action in relation to the elections and engaging with the government. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan: Imran Khan loyalist Khadija Shah's apology video surfaces days after her arrest

<p>With pressure mounting from all quarters, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chief Imran Khan is preparing for the worst-case scenario. The cricketer-turned-politician has named Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and&nbsp;Pervez Khattak as the two leaders to lead the party in case he is arrested or disqualified by the authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know that there is a plan to arrest me, disqualify me, or even kill me. If I am arrested or disqualified, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak will handle the [party] affairs," Khan was quoted as saying by Pakistani media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The time will soon change, and in the coming days, I will give a big surprise. There is no fight between me and the military," he added.</p>

<p>Although&nbsp;Khan named Qureshi as his replacement, the PTI vice chairman is currently behind bars.&nbsp;Qureshi was rearrested by Punjab Police from outside Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail&nbsp;and whisked away to an unknown location, minutes after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered his release last week (May 23).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to being rearrested, Qureshi encouraged the party workers to continue their struggle for 'true freedom.' He also asserted that he was not leaving the party, contrary to rumours.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imran-khan-blames-pakistan-army-chief-asim-munir-for-arrest-592289"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Imran Khan blames Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir for arrest</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Khan constitutes negotiation team</strong></h2>

<p>Khan made the announcement on Saturday as he constituted a&nbsp;negotiating team to hold talks with the government. Apart from Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak, the likes of&nbsp;Asad Qaiser, Haleem Adil Sheikh, Aun Abbasi, Murad Saeed, and Hammad Azhar have been named to the committee.</p>

<p>They will be&nbsp;responsible for formulating a plan of action in relation to the elections and engaging with the government.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-close-aide-shah-mahmood-qureshi-arrested-minutes-after-release-from-jail-595827"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Imran Khan's close aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrested minutes after release from jail</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>May 9 rioters should be punished like US Capitol Hill attackers</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement by Khan came on the same day as when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said<strong>&nbsp;</strong>the perpetrators&nbsp;responsible for May 9 riots will be tried in the same way as the US Capitol Hill attackers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, in the city of Quaid, we all are ashamed of what happened on May 9 in Lahore. Justice requires punishing the perpetrators like the rioters of the Capitol building on January 6, 2021," said Sharif.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If that [American] punishment is legal, then no one should object if we do so under our law for the desecration of the memorials," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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With pressure mounting from all quarters, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chief Imran Khan is preparing for the worst-case scenario. The cricketer-turned-politician has named Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak as the two leaders to lead the party in case he is arrested or disqualified by the authorities.

With pressure mounting from all quarters, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chief Imran Khan is preparing for the worst-case scenario. The cricketer-turned-politician has named Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak as the two leaders to lead the party in case he is arrested or disqualified by the authorities. "I know that there is a plan to arrest me, disqualify me, or even kill me. If I am arrested or disqualified, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak will handle the [party] affairs," Khan was quoted as saying by Pakistani media. "The time will soon change, and in the coming days, I will give a big surprise. There is no fight between me and the military," he added. Although Khan named Qureshi as his replacement, the PTI vice chairman is currently behind bars. Qureshi was rearrested by Punjab Police from outside Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail and whisked away to an unknown location, minutes after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered his release last week (May 23). Prior to being rearrested, Qureshi encouraged the party workers to continue their struggle for 'true freedom.' He also asserted that he was not leaving the party, contrary to rumours. WATCH | Imran Khan blames Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir for arrest Khan constitutes negotiation team Khan made the announcement on Saturday as he constituted a negotiating team to hold talks with the government. Apart from Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak, the likes of Asad Qaiser, Haleem Adil Sheikh, Aun Abbasi, Murad Saeed, and Hammad Azhar have been named to the committee. They will be responsible for formulating a plan of action in relation to the elections and engaging with the government. ALSO READ | Imran Khan's close aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrested minutes after release from jail May 9 rioters should be punished like US Capitol Hill attackers The announcement by Khan came on the same day as when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the perpetrators responsible for May 9 riots will be tried in the same way as the US Capitol Hill attackers. "Today, in the city of Quaid, we all are ashamed of what happened on May 9 in Lahore. Justice requires punishing the perpetrators like the rioters of the Capitol building on January 6, 2021," said Sharif. “If that [American] punishment is legal, then no one should object if we do so under our law for the desecration of the memorials," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

PTI chief Imran Khan names his 'replacements' in case he is arrested or disqualified

Imran Khan, a former prime minister of Pakistan, is now more aggressive than ever in his criticism of the country's government. The PTI leader spared no blows in attacking the ruling party, accusing it of suppressing the media, muscling the judiciary, and committing a wave of atrocities against women.

Ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan accuses government of violating constitution

Trouble seems to be mounting for PTI Chief Imran Khan as Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has come up with a fresh set of allegations against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Watch the video to know more.

Pakistan: Is former PM Imran Khan mellowing down? Shah Mehmood Qureshi to lead PTI post Imran

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<p>Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah claimed late Saturday (May 27) that intelligence agencies intercepted a telephone call in which a plan to “stage a raid and rape at a known Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker’s home” was being discussed. Speaking to reporters, Interior Minister Sanaullah said the conspiracy was being hatched to later claim that human rights were being violated in Pakistan, Dawn reported on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sanaullah, however, did not provide any evidence to support his claim. Taking to Twitter, he said, "The country's agencies intercepted a conversation, revealing disturbing plots and planned actions, including a raid on the PTI leader's house and a staged rape."</p>

<p>"Objective: falsely implicate law enforcement institutions in the crime, aiming to internationalise the issue," the minister added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Imran Khan hits out at Sanaullah: 'If any doubts about women being.....'</strong></h2>

<p>Former Pakistan prime minister and PTI chairperson Imran Khan hit out at Interior Minister Rana Sanaulla's claim by saying he was trying to cover up and preempt the horror stories about to break in the media.</p>

<p>"If there were any doubts about women being mistreated in jails, this press conference from this certified criminal should remove all such doubts," Khan tweeted on Sunday and said women in Pakistan have never been so mistreated and harassed by the state as they have been by this fascist govt when they were exercising their right to protest peacefully.</p>

<p>In another tweet, Khan said that there were raids at night on the houses of PTI leaders Omar Ayub and Shahzad Akbar. "Today we are living in dark ages.. Constitution violated, court decisions openly flouted, houses broken in without warrant and smashed, media muzzled and no one to protect our fundamental rights," the former prime minister added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If there were any doubts about women being mistreated in jails, this press conference from this certified criminal should remove all such doubts.<br />
<br />
He is so obviously trying to cover up and preempt the horror stories about to break in the media.<br />
<br />
Women have never been so… <a href="https://t.co/ig06rvsdsl">pic.twitter.com/ig06rvsdsl</a></p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1662670089932472324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The above developments come as the political crisis in Pakistan has worsened and the country faces its worst economic crisis in decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, Imran Khan appealed for immediate talks with state officials, warning the country was headed towards anarchy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I would like to appeal for talks because what is currently happening is not a solution. But don’t consider it a weakness of Imran Khan because whenever I speak of talks, they (the government) become stiffer. The police come to my house and warrants are issued. These things do not make a difference to me. I am worried about my country. You all should also be concerned about it,” Khan said in live stream on YouTube.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent days, Khan has faced a slew of resignations from the PTI with party leaders saying they were leaving of their own free will. Many of them cited concerns for their family and health.</p>

<p>Khan, however, said they were being made to resign under duress in a bid to weaken him and dismantle his party.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
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Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah claimed late Saturday (May 27) that intelligence agencies intercepted a telephone call in which a plan to “stage a raid and rape at a known Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker’s home” was being discussed.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah claimed late Saturday (May 27) that intelligence agencies intercepted a telephone call in which a plan to “stage a raid and rape at a known Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker’s home” was being discussed. Speaking to reporters, Interior Minister Sanaullah said the conspiracy was being hatched to later claim that human rights were being violated in Pakistan, Dawn reported on Sunday. Sanaullah, however, did not provide any evidence to support his claim. Taking to Twitter, he said, "The country's agencies intercepted a conversation, revealing disturbing plots and planned actions, including a raid on the PTI leader's house and a staged rape." "Objective: falsely implicate law enforcement institutions in the crime, aiming to internationalise the issue," the minister added. Imran Khan hits out at Sanaullah: 'If any doubts about women being.....' Former Pakistan prime minister and PTI chairperson Imran Khan hit out at Interior Minister Rana Sanaulla's claim by saying he was trying to cover up and preempt the horror stories about to break in the media. "If there were any doubts about women being mistreated in jails, this press conference from this certified criminal should remove all such doubts," Khan tweeted on Sunday and said women in Pakistan have never been so mistreated and harassed by the state as they have been by this fascist govt when they were exercising their right to protest peacefully. In another tweet, Khan said that there were raids at night on the houses of PTI leaders Omar Ayub and Shahzad Akbar. "Today we are living in dark ages.. Constitution violated, court decisions openly flouted, houses broken in without warrant and smashed, media muzzled and no one to protect our fundamental rights," the former prime minister added. If there were any doubts about women being mistreated in jails, this press conference from this certified criminal should remove all such doubts. He is so obviously trying to cover up and preempt the horror stories about to break in the media. Women have never been so… pic.twitter.com/ig06rvsdsl — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 28, 2023 × The above developments come as the political crisis in Pakistan has worsened and the country faces its worst economic crisis in decades. On Friday, Imran Khan appealed for immediate talks with state officials, warning the country was headed towards anarchy. “I would like to appeal for talks because what is currently happening is not a solution. But don’t consider it a weakness of Imran Khan because whenever I speak of talks, they (the government) become stiffer. The police come to my house and warrants are issued. These things do not make a difference to me. I am worried about my country. You all should also be concerned about it,” Khan said in live stream on YouTube. In recent days, Khan has faced a slew of resignations from the PTI with party leaders saying they were leaving of their own free will. Many of them cited concerns for their family and health. Khan, however, said they were being made to resign under duress in a bid to weaken him and dismantle his party. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pak minister claims to expose ‘conspiracy to stage raid, rape’ at PTI worker’s house, says report

Alcoholic & drug abuser- these are the latest tags that have been put on former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan. This is as per the results of the medical test that the P-T-I chairman underwent at a hospital in Islamabad following his arrest on the ninth of May 9. Referring to the report, the health minister also said a 5-member panel of senior doctors is saying Imran's mental stability is questionable. He added that whatever khan is doing can only be done by an agent or a madman.

Imran Khan's mental stability is questionable, says Pakistan health minister citing medical reports

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<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to bring the perpetrators responsible for May 9 violence to justice, saying the rioters would be punished in the same&nbsp;way the United States did to its citizens who stormed Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of a water supply project, Sharif said no one should object if the government punished rioters under the law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, in the city of Quaid, we all are ashamed of what happened on May 9 in Lahore. Justice requires punishing the perpetrators like the rioters of the Capitol building on January 6, 2021," said Sharif.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If that [American] punishment is legal, then no one should object if we do so under our law for the desecration of [the memorials of] our martyrs,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharif, referring to former PM Imran Khan e-Insaaf (PTI) chief and his party workers said politics of chaos started by the group culminated on May 9 in the form of the desecration of the nation’s martyrs and security installations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Strings of the May 9 riots are being pulled abroad and the desecration of martyrs’ memorials and installations at the instigation of Imran Khan is the darkest chapter in the nation’s history.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imran-khan-blames-pakistan-army-chief-asim-munir-for-arrest-592289"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Imran Khan blames Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir for arrest</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Government mulls ban on Khan's party&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The statement by Sharif comes days after&nbsp;Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in a televised&nbsp;address said the government was mulling a ban on PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is under consideration to ban PTI," said Asif, adding, "The PTI has attacked the very basis of the state, that never happened before. It can't be tolerated."</p>

<p>Talking about the violence that erupted in the aftermath of Imran's arrest earlier this month, Asif said,&nbsp;“Whatever happened on May 9 wasn’t spontaneous. It was pre-planned, so in this background there are chances we consider the&nbsp;ban.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-mentally-unstable-and-drug-abuser-must-be-kept-in-museum-pak-health-minister-596951" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Imran Khan ‘mentally unstable’ and drug abuser, must be kept in museum: Pak health minister</strong></a></p>

<p>While attacks mount on Imran, his party appears to be fragmented. A day after&nbsp;PTI Vice Chairman&nbsp;Shah Mahmood Qureshi was rearrested by Punjab Police,&nbsp;Imran's close aide and former human rights minister&nbsp;Shireen Mazari resigned from the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at a press conference, she criticised the violence that broke out after Khan was arrested on May 9</p>

<p>"Not only the May 9-10 violence, but I’ve always condemned every kind of violence especially against state institutions and symbols like the General Headquarters, Supreme Court and Parliament,” she stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to bring the perpetrators responsible for May 9 violence to justice, saying the rioters would be punished in the same way the United States did to its citizens who stormed Capitol Hill in Washington D.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to bring the perpetrators responsible for May 9 violence to justice, saying the rioters would be punished in the same way the United States did to its citizens who stormed Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of a water supply project, Sharif said no one should object if the government punished rioters under the law. "Today, in the city of Quaid, we all are ashamed of what happened on May 9 in Lahore. Justice requires punishing the perpetrators like the rioters of the Capitol building on January 6, 2021," said Sharif. “If that [American] punishment is legal, then no one should object if we do so under our law for the desecration of [the memorials of] our martyrs,” he added. Sharif, referring to former PM Imran Khan e-Insaaf (PTI) chief and his party workers said politics of chaos started by the group culminated on May 9 in the form of the desecration of the nation’s martyrs and security installations. “Strings of the May 9 riots are being pulled abroad and the desecration of martyrs’ memorials and installations at the instigation of Imran Khan is the darkest chapter in the nation’s history.” WATCH | Imran Khan blames Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir for arrest Government mulls ban on Khan's party The statement by Sharif comes days after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in a televised address said the government was mulling a ban on PTI. "It is under consideration to ban PTI," said Asif, adding, "The PTI has attacked the very basis of the state, that never happened before. It can't be tolerated." Talking about the violence that erupted in the aftermath of Imran's arrest earlier this month, Asif said, “Whatever happened on May 9 wasn’t spontaneous. It was pre-planned, so in this background there are chances we consider the ban.” ALSO READ | Imran Khan ‘mentally unstable’ and drug abuser, must be kept in museum: Pak health minister While attacks mount on Imran, his party appears to be fragmented. A day after PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi was rearrested by Punjab Police, Imran's close aide and former human rights minister Shireen Mazari resigned from the party. Speaking at a press conference, she criticised the violence that broke out after Khan was arrested on May 9 "Not only the May 9-10 violence, but I’ve always condemned every kind of violence especially against state institutions and symbols like the General Headquarters, Supreme Court and Parliament,” she stated. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan PM says May 9 rioters should be punished like US Capitol Hill attackers

His party leaders are resigning, his supporters are being arrested & the Pak govt is planning to ban his party. Is this the end of Imran Khan? Will he flee Pakistan? Molly Gambhir decodes on Gravitas Plus.

Gravitas Plus: Will Imran Khan flee Pakistan?

The Exodus of PTI leaders continues former PTI lawmaker Maleeka Bokhari has announced that she is quitting the party. She told her decision at a press conference shortly after she was released from Adiala jail on Thursday evening and emphasized that a red line was crossed during the May 9th violence. A total of 45 senior PTI leaders have quit the party since the May 9 violence.

Imran Khan's Troubles Deepen as PTI Leader Maleeka Bokhari Quits

<p>A Pakistan intelligence agency has apprised the prime minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government that Imran Khan colluded in orchestrating the violence that ensued on 9-10th of May that took place following the arrest of the former prime minister, as per local media outlet The News International.&nbsp;The report suggested that Imran conspired to the attacks well before the day of the protests by acting hand in glove with his loyalists only. It added that the former prime minister did not reveal his plans to all the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/more-than-5000-new-species-discovered-in-planned-mining-zone-of-pacific-ocean-596583">More than 5,000 new species discovered on seabed of Pacific Ocean</a></p>

<p>In order to mobilise demonstrators, Imran Khan's loyalists, which are named in the intelligence report, gave instructions to the party cadres. Citing sources within PTI, the intelligence report sheds light on how Imran allegedly gave particular commands to target pre-selected venues in case of his arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the day of the protests, Pakistani politician who served as Federal Minister for Communications, Murad Saeed passed on the specifics given by Imran Khan to the party leaders via his tweets.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Imran Khan refutes all claims&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>However, it is to be noted that the former PM has refuted all claims of him being involved in planning out the attacks that killed several Pakistanis. He upheld that PTI has always held peaceful protests and adhered to the rule of law in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-neuralink-cleared-for-human-test-of-brain-implants-596576">Elon Musk's Neuralink cleared for human test of brain implants</a></p>

<p>Not only that, Imran Khan also urged for an independent investigation into the attacks and asked for perpetrators to be brought to justice. Replying to a query by The News International over the intel report, PTI’s spokesperson Sadaqat Ali Abbasi who is PTI leader from Rawalpindi denied all the leveled accusations and said that peaceful protests were carried out in front of the Rawalpindi Press Club at Liaquat Bagh.</p>

<p>The intel report names Dr Yasmin Rashid, Hammad Azhar and Awn Abbas Buppi in Punjab, Ali Zaidi in Sindh, Ali Nawaz Awan in Islamabad and Qasim Suri in Balochistan and Murad Saeed and Omar Ayub in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report points out a range of allegations against the former premiere. It includes international collusion to oust him from power, conspiracies by the country’s intelligence agencies, and spreading hatred against the country's military and senior leadership on social media platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle</strong></p>

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<p>Imran Khan, as per the intel, “thoughtfully attempted” to taint the image of senior army officers, including the Chief of Army Staff, DG ISI, and DG-C.</p>

<p>One of the key takeaways from the intel report indicates that some of Imran Khan's advisers made the former PM believe that total mayhem will ensue in the country and the government. The advisors also added the military leadership, will bow to its knees which would enable him to dictate his own terms.</p>

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A Pakistan intelligence agency has apprised the prime minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government that Imran Khan colluded in orchestrating the violence that ensued on 9-10th of May that took place following the arrest of the former prime minister, as per local media outlet The News International.

A Pakistan intelligence agency has apprised the prime minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government that Imran Khan colluded in orchestrating the violence that ensued on 9-10th of May that took place following the arrest of the former prime minister, as per local media outlet The News International. The report suggested that Imran conspired to the attacks well before the day of the protests by acting hand in glove with his loyalists only. It added that the former prime minister did not reveal his plans to all the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders. Also Read | More than 5,000 new species discovered on seabed of Pacific Ocean In order to mobilise demonstrators, Imran Khan's loyalists, which are named in the intelligence report, gave instructions to the party cadres. Citing sources within PTI, the intelligence report sheds light on how Imran allegedly gave particular commands to target pre-selected venues in case of his arrest. On the day of the protests, Pakistani politician who served as Federal Minister for Communications, Murad Saeed passed on the specifics given by Imran Khan to the party leaders via his tweets. Imran Khan refutes all claims However, it is to be noted that the former PM has refuted all claims of him being involved in planning out the attacks that killed several Pakistanis. He upheld that PTI has always held peaceful protests and adhered to the rule of law in the country. Also Read | Elon Musk's Neuralink cleared for human test of brain implants Not only that, Imran Khan also urged for an independent investigation into the attacks and asked for perpetrators to be brought to justice. Replying to a query by The News International over the intel report, PTI’s spokesperson Sadaqat Ali Abbasi who is PTI leader from Rawalpindi denied all the leveled accusations and said that peaceful protests were carried out in front of the Rawalpindi Press Club at Liaquat Bagh. The intel report names Dr Yasmin Rashid, Hammad Azhar and Awn Abbas Buppi in Punjab, Ali Zaidi in Sindh, Ali Nawaz Awan in Islamabad and Qasim Suri in Balochistan and Murad Saeed and Omar Ayub in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The report points out a range of allegations against the former premiere. It includes international collusion to oust him from power, conspiracies by the country’s intelligence agencies, and spreading hatred against the country's military and senior leadership on social media platforms. Watch | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle × Imran Khan, as per the intel, “thoughtfully attempted” to taint the image of senior army officers, including the Chief of Army Staff, DG ISI, and DG-C. One of the key takeaways from the intel report indicates that some of Imran Khan's advisers made the former PM believe that total mayhem will ensue in the country and the government. The advisors also added the military leadership, will bow to its knees which would enable him to dictate his own terms. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Imran, his loyalists orchestrated May 9 violence: Intel report

<p>Pakistan’s Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel on Friday claimed that Imran Khan was “mentally unstable” and his urine samples indicated that he was a drug abuser. Citing Khan’s medical reports, Patel alleged that his urine sample revealed findings of toxic chemicals, like “alcohol and cocaine.”</p>

<p>Patel was speaking at a press conference following the issuance of Khan’s medical reports after his samples were taken at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.</p>

<h2><strong>Khan’s medical report “a public document”: Patel</strong></h2>

<p>Abdul Qadir Patel said that Imran Khan’s medical report was a “public document” which must be shown to the nation. He stated, “This is your prime minister about whom a five-member panel of senior doctors is saying that his mental stability is questionable. There was some inappropriate gesture.</p>

<p>“The medical report is saying that when we talked to Imran for a long time, his actions were not that of a fit man,” he was quoted by Dawn as saying.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Imran Khan's troubles grows further: Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi put on no-fly list</strong></p>

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<p>Pakistan’s health minister further claimed that there was no fracture in Imran Khan’s leg, while he “went around with a plaster on his leg for five to six months”.</p>

<p>“Have you ever seen anyone having himself plastered for a wound on the skin or muscle?” Patel asked.</p>

<h2><strong>Imran Khan must be kept in museum: Patel</strong></h2>

<p>While referring to Khan as a narcissist, Patel said that the former prime minister must be kept in a museum. “Being a narcissist, he is insistent on his lies and calls them the truth. This narcissist has been inciting people and diverting the youth to the wrong path,” he added.</p>

<p>Imran Khan’s medical reports are made public amid a crackdown on PTI, its leaders and workers across Pakistan after May 9 violence. The nationwide protests saw Khan’s supporters vandalise public and private properties, including several military installations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While official figures estimate the violence left 10 people dead, PTI claims more than 40 of its supporters lost their lives that day due to firing by security personnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-political-crisis-imran-khan-says-ready-to-step-aside-if-its-beneficial-for-country-596216"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;Pakistan political crisis: Imran Khan says ready to step aside if it`s beneficial for country</strong></a></p>

<p>Pakistani government and army have termed May 9 as “Black Day” in Pakistan’s history, with the country’s National Assembly passing a resolution to try Khan’s supporters in military courts. Khan’s PTI party has now moved to the country’s Supreme Court against such plans by the Pakistan government. There are also rumours that the Pakistani establishment is working on plans to permanently ban Imran Khan’s &nbsp;Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.</p>

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Pakistan’s Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel on Friday claimed that Imran Khan was “mentally unstable” and his urine samples indicated that he was a drug abuser.

Pakistan’s Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel on Friday claimed that Imran Khan was “mentally unstable” and his urine samples indicated that he was a drug abuser. Citing Khan’s medical reports, Patel alleged that his urine sample revealed findings of toxic chemicals, like “alcohol and cocaine.” Patel was speaking at a press conference following the issuance of Khan’s medical reports after his samples were taken at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. Khan’s medical report “a public document”: Patel Abdul Qadir Patel said that Imran Khan’s medical report was a “public document” which must be shown to the nation. He stated, “This is your prime minister about whom a five-member panel of senior doctors is saying that his mental stability is questionable. There was some inappropriate gesture. “The medical report is saying that when we talked to Imran for a long time, his actions were not that of a fit man,” he was quoted by Dawn as saying. Watch: Imran Khan's troubles grows further: Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi put on no-fly list × Pakistan’s health minister further claimed that there was no fracture in Imran Khan’s leg, while he “went around with a plaster on his leg for five to six months”. “Have you ever seen anyone having himself plastered for a wound on the skin or muscle?” Patel asked. Imran Khan must be kept in museum: Patel While referring to Khan as a narcissist, Patel said that the former prime minister must be kept in a museum. “Being a narcissist, he is insistent on his lies and calls them the truth. This narcissist has been inciting people and diverting the youth to the wrong path,” he added. Imran Khan’s medical reports are made public amid a crackdown on PTI, its leaders and workers across Pakistan after May 9 violence. The nationwide protests saw Khan’s supporters vandalise public and private properties, including several military installations. While official figures estimate the violence left 10 people dead, PTI claims more than 40 of its supporters lost their lives that day due to firing by security personnel. Also Read | Pakistan political crisis: Imran Khan says ready to step aside if it`s beneficial for country Pakistani government and army have termed May 9 as “Black Day” in Pakistan’s history, with the country’s National Assembly passing a resolution to try Khan’s supporters in military courts. Khan’s PTI party has now moved to the country’s Supreme Court against such plans by the Pakistan government. There are also rumours that the Pakistani establishment is working on plans to permanently ban Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Imran Khan ‘mentally unstable’ and drug abuser, must be kept in museum: Pak health minister

<p>Pakistani politics was witness to a strong demand made by a federal minister to none other than the president of the country. Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to PM and a federal minister, called on Pakistan President Arif Alvi a few days ago to 'resign and go home'. The demand was made very publicly in a tweet in Urdu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"President Alvi is holding individual meetings with foreign diplomats without informing the Foreign Office. This is a very inappropriate act and it does not flatter the President that these meetings are held above the Foreign Office. Arif Alvi President Kim and PTI workers. Looks like more. Please resign and go home," the translation made available by Twitter of his tweet said.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">صدر علوی غیر ملکی سفارتکاروں سے بغیر دفتر خارجہ کو بتائے انفرادی ملاقاتیں کر رہے ہیں۔یہ انتہائی نا مناسب فعل ہے اور صدر کو یہ زیب نہیں دیتا کہ دفتر خارجہ سے بالا بالا یہ ملاقاتیں کی جائیں۔عارف علوی صدر کم اور تحریک انصاف کے کارکن زیادہ لگ رہے ہیں۔ علوی صاحب استعفی دو اور گھر جاو</p>
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/TararAttaullah/status/1658807271697031173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>President Arif Alvi belongs to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the political party headed by former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, who is sparring with current regime headed by PM Shehbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz).</p>

<h2><strong>Unrest continues</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan is currently experiencing protests by Imran Khan's supporters in many parts of the country. The protests started on May 9 after the arrest of Khan. He was subsequently released on bail.</p>

<p>Protesters stormed military installations, including the house of a top general in Lahore, which was set ablaze. Thousands of people, most of them Khan's supporters, have been rounded up since.</p>

<p>On Friday (May 26), civilian authorities said that they had handed over 33 suspects who will be tried in military courts</p>

<p>"The accused who are being handed over to the military are those who trespassed and entered very sensitive defense installations," Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah told reporters as per Reuters.</p>

<p>Military courts are closed to outsiders, and no media is allowed. Rights groups have criticised the secretive nature of the process.</p>

<h2><strong>Economic crisis fuels protests</strong></h2>

<p>The political protests wouldn't have come at a worse time for Pakistan as it is going through worst economic crisis in decades. The effects on the economy and budget of common people are fuelling the unrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dollar reserves have dwindled to only USD 4.4 billion. It is enough for only three weeks of import. The country is talking with International Monetary Fund (IMF) for bailout but the talks have stalled since November last year.</p>

<p>"Right now, everyone is so affected by the economic crisis that they feel the need to come out on the streets," said 27-year-old doctor Shahab Afzal as quoted by AFP.</p>

<p>"You can't even afford the basics," he said at a pro-Khan protest in the eastern city of Lahore.</p>

<p>Official data says that food inflation has soared to nearly 50 per cent in April.</p>

<p>"The sense of economic deprivation is the rocket fuel for Imran Khan's anti-government movement," said analyst Mosharraf Zaidi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zaidi was quoted by AFP.</p>

<p>"It creates room for hyper-growth of his support when you have trouble feeding your children."<br />
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<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>


Pakistani politics was witness to a strong demand made by a federal minister to none other than the president of the country. Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to PM and a federal minister, called on Pakistan President Arif Alvi a few days ago to 'resign and go home'.

Pakistani politics was witness to a strong demand made by a federal minister to none other than the president of the country. Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to PM and a federal minister, called on Pakistan President Arif Alvi a few days ago to 'resign and go home'. The demand was made very publicly in a tweet in Urdu. "President Alvi is holding individual meetings with foreign diplomats without informing the Foreign Office. This is a very inappropriate act and it does not flatter the President that these meetings are held above the Foreign Office. Arif Alvi President Kim and PTI workers. Looks like more. Please resign and go home," the translation made available by Twitter of his tweet said. صدر علوی غیر ملکی سفارتکاروں سے بغیر دفتر خارجہ کو بتائے انفرادی ملاقاتیں کر رہے ہیں۔یہ انتہائی نا مناسب فعل ہے اور صدر کو یہ زیب نہیں دیتا کہ دفتر خارجہ سے بالا بالا یہ ملاقاتیں کی جائیں۔عارف علوی صدر کم اور تحریک انصاف کے کارکن زیادہ لگ رہے ہیں۔ علوی صاحب استعفی دو اور گھر جاو — Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) May 17, 2023 × President Arif Alvi belongs to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the political party headed by former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, who is sparring with current regime headed by PM Shehbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz). Unrest continues Pakistan is currently experiencing protests by Imran Khan's supporters in many parts of the country. The protests started on May 9 after the arrest of Khan. He was subsequently released on bail. Protesters stormed military installations, including the house of a top general in Lahore, which was set ablaze. Thousands of people, most of them Khan's supporters, have been rounded up since. On Friday (May 26), civilian authorities said that they had handed over 33 suspects who will be tried in military courts "The accused who are being handed over to the military are those who trespassed and entered very sensitive defense installations," Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah told reporters as per Reuters. Military courts are closed to outsiders, and no media is allowed. Rights groups have criticised the secretive nature of the process. Economic crisis fuels protests The political protests wouldn't have come at a worse time for Pakistan as it is going through worst economic crisis in decades. The effects on the economy and budget of common people are fuelling the unrest. Dollar reserves have dwindled to only USD 4.4 billion. It is enough for only three weeks of import. The country is talking with International Monetary Fund (IMF) for bailout but the talks have stalled since November last year. "Right now, everyone is so affected by the economic crisis that they feel the need to come out on the streets," said 27-year-old doctor Shahab Afzal as quoted by AFP. "You can't even afford the basics," he said at a pro-Khan protest in the eastern city of Lahore. Official data says that food inflation has soared to nearly 50 per cent in April. "The sense of economic deprivation is the rocket fuel for Imran Khan's anti-government movement," said analyst Mosharraf Zaidi. Zaidi was quoted by AFP. "It creates room for hyper-growth of his support when you have trouble feeding your children." WATCH WION LIVE HERE × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Resign and go home': Pakistan's minister tells president via tweet for meeting foreign diplomats

Trouble has been mounting for Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. They have been added to a no-fly list, this happened because of the exodus in his party and the direct confrontation with the Army.

Imran Khan's troubles grows further: Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi put on no-fly list

After Fawad Chaudhry, now Asad Umar has announced his resignation from the party. Earlier Fawad who was Imran Khan's close aide, and one of the chief architects of his 2018 election win has resigned from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. "My earlier statement where I unequivocally condemned 9th May incidents, I have decided to take a break from politics, therefore, I have resigned from party position and parting ways from Imran Khan," Chaudhry wrote in a tweet on Wednesday evening. Earlier, PTI's top leader and party erstwhile whip Shireen Mazari had also resigned from the party, after condemning violent protests staged by Khan’s supporters on May 9.

Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhary latest in line to abandon Imran Khan | English New

Pakistan's senior leaders quit PTI, Umar's announcement to follow Fawad's resignation

<p>The countrywide crackdown against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party continued in full swing on Thursday, as the party’s chief Imran Khan and his wife were put on the ‘No-Fly List’, and 18 members of his party were handed over to the military court to face trial over the May 9 riots.</p>

<p>At least 80 prominent leaders, apart from Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, were added to the 'No-fly List', effectively barring them from leaving the country.</p>

<p>The PTI leaders who have been included are, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Murad Saeed, Maleeka Bukhari, former information and broadcasting minister Fawad Chaudhry, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, Yasmin Rashid, Qasim Suri, Hammad Azhar and others.</p>

<p>The names were added upon the request of the police, the National Accountability Bureau, and the anti-corruption department to the Ministry of Interior.</p>

<p>These leaders are being barred from leaving the country for their alleged role in the May 9 riots.</p>

<p>Responding to the clampdown, Khan accused the ruling establishment of ‘dismantling'&nbsp;PTI on the pretext of May 9 arson.</p>

<p>“Those in PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement, a coalition of political parties ruling Pakistan) and the journalist community who are cheerleaders for this yazeediyat (cruelty) should know that this is not dismantling PTI but our democracy i.e., our freedom.”</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan: Imran khan, wife Bushra Bibi put on no-fly list</strong></h2>

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<p>“However, this attempt to enslave us will fail as we have a politically aware young population who despite media being muzzled gets its information from social media,” he added.</p>

<p>The protests that erupted on May 9 happened in response to the arrest of Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case.</p>

<p>The unruly supporters and workers of PTI reportedly stormed and torched state installations across the country. The violent protests continued for nearly three days and claimed the lives of at least eight people,&nbsp;leaving at least a dozen injured.</p>

<p>For the first time in Pakistan’s history, protesters stormed the army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and also torched a corps commander’s house in Lahore.</p>

<p>The unruly scenes unfolding across Pakistan forced the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government to suspend internet services and sent the army to maintain the law and order situation.</p>

<p>Holding Khan squarely responsible for the unrest, the police filed three terrorism cases against him. He is out on bail till June 2.</p>

<h2><strong>16 handed to the military for trial </strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, a court in eastern Lahore city has handed over 16 civilians to the military for trial for their alleged involvement in the violent protests.</p>

<p>One of the 16 suspects is a member of Khan’s PTI party, a senior member of Khan's legal team, Azhar Siddique,&nbsp;told Reuters news agency. The suspect was supposed to run in the next provincial elections.</p>

<p>“The 16 will be investigated by the military and tried in military courts,” he was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>Military courts operate under a separate system from the civilian legal system. Trials are closed to outsiders, and no media is allowed. Rights groups have criticised the secretive nature of the process.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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The countrywide crackdown against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party continued in full swing on Thursday, as the party’s chief Imran Khan and his wife were put on the ‘No-Fly List’, and 18 members of his party were handed over to the military court to face trial over the May 9 riots.

The countrywide crackdown against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party continued in full swing on Thursday, as the party’s chief Imran Khan and his wife were put on the ‘No-Fly List’, and 18 members of his party were handed over to the military court to face trial over the May 9 riots. At least 80 prominent leaders, apart from Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, were added to the 'No-fly List', effectively barring them from leaving the country. The PTI leaders who have been included are, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Murad Saeed, Maleeka Bukhari, former information and broadcasting minister Fawad Chaudhry, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, Yasmin Rashid, Qasim Suri, Hammad Azhar and others. The names were added upon the request of the police, the National Accountability Bureau, and the anti-corruption department to the Ministry of Interior. These leaders are being barred from leaving the country for their alleged role in the May 9 riots. Responding to the clampdown, Khan accused the ruling establishment of ‘dismantling' PTI on the pretext of May 9 arson. “Those in PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement, a coalition of political parties ruling Pakistan) and the journalist community who are cheerleaders for this yazeediyat (cruelty) should know that this is not dismantling PTI but our democracy i.e., our freedom.” Pakistan: Imran khan, wife Bushra Bibi put on no-fly list “However, this attempt to enslave us will fail as we have a politically aware young population who despite media being muzzled gets its information from social media,” he added. The protests that erupted on May 9 happened in response to the arrest of Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case. The unruly supporters and workers of PTI reportedly stormed and torched state installations across the country. The violent protests continued for nearly three days and claimed the lives of at least eight people, leaving at least a dozen injured. For the first time in Pakistan’s history, protesters stormed the army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and also torched a corps commander’s house in Lahore. The unruly scenes unfolding across Pakistan forced the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government to suspend internet services and sent the army to maintain the law and order situation. Holding Khan squarely responsible for the unrest, the police filed three terrorism cases against him. He is out on bail till June 2. 16 handed to the military for trial Meanwhile, a court in eastern Lahore city has handed over 16 civilians to the military for trial for their alleged involvement in the violent protests. One of the 16 suspects is a member of Khan’s PTI party, a senior member of Khan's legal team, Azhar Siddique, told Reuters news agency. The suspect was supposed to run in the next provincial elections. “The 16 will be investigated by the military and tried in military courts,” he was quoted as saying. Military courts operate under a separate system from the civilian legal system. Trials are closed to outsiders, and no media is allowed. Rights groups have criticised the secretive nature of the process. (With inputs from agencies)

Crackdown on PTI: Imran Khan, wife added to ‘No-Fly List’, Pak military court to try 16 suspects for riots

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and 80 other members of his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have been put on a no-fly list. This comes a day after Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asi said that the government is considering imposing a ban on PTI.

Pakistan: Imran Khan cornered, end of the road for PTI?

In a further sign of growing pressure on former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and 80 other members of his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been put on a no-fly list.

Pakistan: Imran Khan and his wife put on no-fly list

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