<p>Responding to a call by Pakistan's ex-prime minister&nbsp;Imran Khan for a nationwide "freedom" protest on Sunday (May 14), his supporters took to the streets across the country. However, the protests as per AFP largely failed to materialise in his home city Lahore.</p>

<p>Talking to AFP, 48-year-old Lahore housewife Aisha, a supporter of the cricketer-turned-politician said&nbsp;"I was ashamed to see that no one came out in our neighbourhood, so I came out here to a main road to be seen."</p>

<p>"We just want the country's betterment," she added.</p>

<p>Speaking to his supporters through a broadcast on YouTube on Saturday night, the leader who this week was briefly arrested and detained, had called for the protest on Sunday evening for one hour, starting at 5:30 pm (1230 GMT).</p>

<p>"Freedom does not come easily. You have to snatch it. You have to sacrifice for it," said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman.</p>

<p>Take a look at some videos, photos of the 'freedom' protest:</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">آئین بچانے کی خاطر اپنے ملک کے لیے باہر نکلیں !!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A2%D8%A6%DB%8C%D9%86_%D8%A8%DA%86%D8%A7%D8%A4_%D9%BE%D8%A7%DA%A9%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86_%D8%A8%DA%86%D8%A7%D8%A4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#آئین_بچاؤ_پاکستان_بچاؤ</a> <a href="https://t.co/F4RCN9bKlZ">pic.twitter.com/F4RCN9bKlZ</a></p>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1657724535335157761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">چیرمین پاکستان تحریک انصاف عمران کی جانب سے آئین بچاؤ ملک بچاؤ کے سلسلے میں آج اوی اپر چترال میں پلی کارڈ اٹھا کر اپنے ملک آئین عدلیہ کے ساتھ اظہار یکجہتی۔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A2%D8%A6%DB%8C%D9%86_%D8%A8%DA%86%D8%A7%D8%A4_%D9%BE%D8%A7%DA%A9%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86_%D8%A8%DA%86%D8%A7%D8%A4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#آئین_بچاؤ_پاکستان_بچاؤ</a> <a href="https://t.co/rQ0VFAMxat">pic.twitter.com/rQ0VFAMxat</a></p>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1657729484190015489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking from his residence in Lahore, Khan had&nbsp;urged his supporters to hold protests "at the end of your streets and villages" across the country on Sunday evening for one hour starting at 5:30 pm (1230 GMT).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Blaming the Pakistan army chief for the negative reputation of the military, he said, "the army chief's actions have made our military bad. It is because of him, not because of me."</p>

<p>However, as per AFP, it is unclear who Khan was referring to, the current army chief General Asim Munir or his predecessor General Qamar Javed Bajwa, whom he holds responsible for his removal from the post of PM.</p>

<p>Since being ousted from power in April last year, the former cricketer has been tied up in numerous legal cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-calls-imran-khan-ladla-labels-islamabad-hcs-relief-for-ex-pm-double-standards-591706">PM Sharif: Courts' relief to ‘laadla’ Imran exposes ‘double standards’, led to death of justice in Pak</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday (May 9), he was arrested from outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) just hours after he was rebuked by the army for claiming that senior officials were involved in an assassination attempt against him last year.</p>

<p>Three days later, on Friday, the Pakistan Supreme Court declared detention "unlawful" and he was subsequently released on bail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furious at his arrest, Imran Khan's supporters set government buildings on fire, blocked roads, and even damaged military property since they held the military responsible for Khan's removal from power.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-says-hes-worried-they-will-pick-him-again-warns-of-same-reaction-if-arrested-again-591698">Imran Khan slams Pakistan army chief, says nation ‘being run by only one man’</a></strong></p>

<p>Khan previously told reporters that "one man, the army chief" was behind his arrest.</p>

<p>Police and hospitals have confirmed that at least nine people died during the unrest last week, with hundreds of police officers injured and more than 4,000 people detained, mainly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per an AFP report citing one of Khan's lawyers, since the protests started, at least 10 senior leaders of the PTI party have been arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday warned that those guilty of "facilitating, abetting and perpetrating" the violence must be arrested within 72 hours. During his visit to Lahore, he said that "anti-state behaviour" demonstrators will be arrested and tried in anti-terrorist courts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has repeatedly vowed that the police will re-arrest Khan, who remains highly popular before the upcoming elections scheduled in October. However, the Islamabad High Court has ruled that Khan should be protected from arrest until Monday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Responding to a call by Pakistan's ex-prime minister Imran Khan for a nationwide "freedom" protest on Sunday (May 14), his supporters took to the streets across the country.

Responding to a call by Pakistan's ex-prime minister Imran Khan for a nationwide "freedom" protest on Sunday (May 14), his supporters took to the streets across the country. However, the protests as per AFP largely failed to materialise in his home city Lahore. Talking to AFP, 48-year-old Lahore housewife Aisha, a supporter of the cricketer-turned-politician said "I was ashamed to see that no one came out in our neighbourhood, so I came out here to a main road to be seen." "We just want the country's betterment," she added. Speaking to his supporters through a broadcast on YouTube on Saturday night, the leader who this week was briefly arrested and detained, had called for the protest on Sunday evening for one hour, starting at 5:30 pm (1230 GMT). "Freedom does not come easily. You have to snatch it. You have to sacrifice for it," said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman. Take a look at some videos, photos of the 'freedom' protest: آئین بچانے کی خاطر اپنے ملک کے لیے باہر نکلیں !!#آئین_بچاؤ_پاکستان_بچاؤ pic.twitter.com/F4RCN9bKlZ — PTI (@PTIofficial) May 14, 2023 × چیرمین پاکستان تحریک انصاف عمران کی جانب سے آئین بچاؤ ملک بچاؤ کے سلسلے میں آج اوی اپر چترال میں پلی کارڈ اٹھا کر اپنے ملک آئین عدلیہ کے ساتھ اظہار یکجہتی۔#آئین_بچاؤ_پاکستان_بچاؤ pic.twitter.com/rQ0VFAMxat — PTI (@PTIofficial) May 14, 2023 × Speaking from his residence in Lahore, Khan had urged his supporters to hold protests "at the end of your streets and villages" across the country on Sunday evening for one hour starting at 5:30 pm (1230 GMT). Blaming the Pakistan army chief for the negative reputation of the military, he said, "the army chief's actions have made our military bad. It is because of him, not because of me." However, as per AFP, it is unclear who Khan was referring to, the current army chief General Asim Munir or his predecessor General Qamar Javed Bajwa, whom he holds responsible for his removal from the post of PM. Since being ousted from power in April last year, the former cricketer has been tied up in numerous legal cases. Also read | PM Sharif: Courts' relief to ‘laadla’ Imran exposes ‘double standards’, led to death of justice in Pak On Tuesday (May 9), he was arrested from outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) just hours after he was rebuked by the army for claiming that senior officials were involved in an assassination attempt against him last year. Three days later, on Friday, the Pakistan Supreme Court declared detention "unlawful" and he was subsequently released on bail. Furious at his arrest, Imran Khan's supporters set government buildings on fire, blocked roads, and even damaged military property since they held the military responsible for Khan's removal from power. Also read | Imran Khan slams Pakistan army chief, says nation ‘being run by only one man’ Khan previously told reporters that "one man, the army chief" was behind his arrest. Police and hospitals have confirmed that at least nine people died during the unrest last week, with hundreds of police officers injured and more than 4,000 people detained, mainly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. As per an AFP report citing one of Khan's lawyers, since the protests started, at least 10 senior leaders of the PTI party have been arrested. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday warned that those guilty of "facilitating, abetting and perpetrating" the violence must be arrested within 72 hours. During his visit to Lahore, he said that "anti-state behaviour" demonstrators will be arrested and tried in anti-terrorist courts. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has repeatedly vowed that the police will re-arrest Khan, who remains highly popular before the upcoming elections scheduled in October. However, the Islamabad High Court has ruled that Khan should be protected from arrest until Monday. (With inputs from agencies) 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's 'freedom' protest call fails to rally crowds. Underwhelming support in streets of Pakistan

<p>Continuing his rhetoric of the 'London plan', Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan targeted the country's army, alleging that it is conspiring to&nbsp;put him in jail for 10 years under sedition charges.</p>

<p>Since he was ousted in the no-confidence motion in April 2022, Imran Khan has been saying that the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government is trying to scrap all cases against the country's former premier Nawaz Sharif. Now, changing his pitch a little bit, Imran Khan is claiming that the Pakistan establishment, meaning the army, is trying to put him behind bars for a decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after PTI announced that it will file an FIR against Punjab Rangers and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for planning to 'abduct' Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court premises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On early Monday, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief said, "So now the complete London plan is out. Using the pretext of violence while I was inside the jail, they have assumed the role of judge, jury and executioner. The plan now is to humiliate me by putting Bushra Begum (Khan's wife) in jail, and using some sedition law to keep me inside for next 10 years."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-to-file-firs-against-rangers-nab-over-imrans-abduction-on-9-may-592450">PTI to file FIRs against Rangers, NAB over Imran’s ‘abduction’ on 9 May</a></p>

<p>The 70-year-old Imran Khan held a meeting with other PTI leaders at his Lahore residence. "To ensure that there is no public reaction, they have done two things -- first deliberate terror is unleashed not just on PTI workers but on common citizens as well. Second, the media is totally controlled and muzzled."</p>

<p>"This is a deliberate attempt to instill so much fear in people that when they come to arrest me tomorrow, people won't come out. And tomorrow they will again suspend internet services and ban social media (which is only partially open). Meanwhile, as we speak, houses are being broken in and shamelessly police are manhandling the women of the houses," he added.</p>

<p>Islamabad High Court granted two-weeks bail to Imran Khan which will end on 17 May.&nbsp;Khan said that he will fight for Haqeeqi Azaadi [rightfull freedom] till the "last drop of my blood because for me death is preferable than to be enslaved by these assortments of crooks."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-killed-in-tractor-trailer-van-crash-in-northern-mexico-592444">At least 26 killed as tractor trailer and van collide in northern Mexico</a></p>

<p>"I urge all my people to remember that we have pledged La&nbsp;Illah ha illalah, that we bow to no one except the One (Allah). If we bow to the idol of fear there will only be humiliation and dismemberment for our future generations. Countries where there is injustice and law of jungle prevails, don't survive for long."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Imran Khan will appear before Lahore High Court today in connection to the case over violent protests that gripped Pakistan after the arrest of the former prime minister.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead</strong></p>

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<p>"Pakistan has already seen such brazen attack on the Supreme Court when in 1997 PMLN goons physically attacked it and had one of the most respected Chief Justices Sajjad Ali Shah removed," he said.</p>

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Continuing his rhetoric of the 'London plan', Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan targeted the country's army, alleging that it is conspiring to put him in jail for 10 years under sedition charges.

Continuing his rhetoric of the 'London plan', Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan targeted the country's army, alleging that it is conspiring to put him in jail for 10 years under sedition charges. Since he was ousted in the no-confidence motion in April 2022, Imran Khan has been saying that the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government is trying to scrap all cases against the country's former premier Nawaz Sharif. Now, changing his pitch a little bit, Imran Khan is claiming that the Pakistan establishment, meaning the army, is trying to put him behind bars for a decade. This comes after PTI announced that it will file an FIR against Punjab Rangers and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for planning to 'abduct' Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court premises. On early Monday, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief said, "So now the complete London plan is out. Using the pretext of violence while I was inside the jail, they have assumed the role of judge, jury and executioner. The plan now is to humiliate me by putting Bushra Begum (Khan's wife) in jail, and using some sedition law to keep me inside for next 10 years." Also Read | PTI to file FIRs against Rangers, NAB over Imran’s ‘abduction’ on 9 May The 70-year-old Imran Khan held a meeting with other PTI leaders at his Lahore residence. "To ensure that there is no public reaction, they have done two things -- first deliberate terror is unleashed not just on PTI workers but on common citizens as well. Second, the media is totally controlled and muzzled." "This is a deliberate attempt to instill so much fear in people that when they come to arrest me tomorrow, people won't come out. And tomorrow they will again suspend internet services and ban social media (which is only partially open). Meanwhile, as we speak, houses are being broken in and shamelessly police are manhandling the women of the houses," he added. Islamabad High Court granted two-weeks bail to Imran Khan which will end on 17 May. Khan said that he will fight for Haqeeqi Azaadi [rightfull freedom] till the "last drop of my blood because for me death is preferable than to be enslaved by these assortments of crooks." Also Read | At least 26 killed as tractor trailer and van collide in northern Mexico "I urge all my people to remember that we have pledged La Illah ha illalah, that we bow to no one except the One (Allah). If we bow to the idol of fear there will only be humiliation and dismemberment for our future generations. Countries where there is injustice and law of jungle prevails, don't survive for long." Imran Khan will appear before Lahore High Court today in connection to the case over violent protests that gripped Pakistan after the arrest of the former prime minister. Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead × "Pakistan has already seen such brazen attack on the Supreme Court when in 1997 PMLN goons physically attacked it and had one of the most respected Chief Justices Sajjad Ali Shah removed," 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. ×

Pak army conspiring to put me in jail for 10 yrs: Imran Khan continues 'London plan' rhetoric

<p>Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said it will file FIRs against the Punjab Rangers and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in relation to the high drama that followed on 9 May when the country witnessed violent protests following the arrest of the former prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the party, the paramilitary forces were apparently vying for Imran Khan's “abduction” from the grounds of the Islamabad High Court. On 9 May, following Imran Khan's arrest, there were mass demonstrations across Pakistan which resulted in the killing of PTI workers while several others were injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI said that there was “false, absurd, and baseless propaganda” carried out against the party in connection with the violent clashes that broke out on the day Imran Khan was arrested.&nbsp;While claiming that the party has a clean track record for the last 27 years of its history, PTI said it adheres to the laws of the land and democratic principles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further added that the party sticks to peaceful processes and does not resort to violence in politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI claimed&nbsp;that even when on 3 November 2022 when an assassination attempt was carried out against Imran Khan while he was giving a speech in Wazirabad, Punjab, the party did not do anything that would have incited violence in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-election-result-2023-pheu-thai-and-move-forward-party-stun-military-loyalists-592442">Thailand election result 2023: Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party stun military loyalists</a></p>

<p>The PTI demanded a thorough inquiry into any intentional attempts to cause mayhem during peaceful rallies by Imran Khan's supporters. It called on to investigate the shootings of people. The PTI urged for the creation of a high-level commission made up of Supreme Court justices to look into what happened on 9 May. It claimed that charges should be brought against those responsible for the killings of civilians during the protests that followed Imran Khan's detention.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-elections-2023-erdogan-takes-an-early-lead-reports-suggest-country-headed-for-may-28-runoffs-592441">Turkey Elections 2023 | Erdogan takes an early lead; reports suggest country headed for May 28 runoffs</a></p>

<p>The PTI pledged to identify all authorities responsible for violence on PTI demonstrators, including the interior minister and interim chief ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PTI condemns internet ban</strong></h2>

<p>The PTI strongly condemned the government’s recent ban on internet and social media access throughout the country, viewing it as an attempt to suppress the truth.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead</strong></p>

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<p>The party demanded an immediate restoration of internet connectivity.</p>

<h2><strong>Calls for conducting provincial elections&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The PTI questioned the legal and constitutional validity of the caretaker government in Punjab, referring to the Supreme Court’s deadline of May 14 for elections in the province. It asserted that the failure to hold elections in Punjab today, in accordance with constitutional and Supreme Court orders, constituted a severe infringement upon the constitution.</p>

<p>Imran Khan is likely to appear before the Lahore High Court today, 15 May. This is in relation to the cases against him for incidents of violence that erupted after his arrest last week.</p>

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Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said it will file FIRs against the Punjab Rangers and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in relation to the high drama that followed on 9 May when the country witnessed violent protests following the arrest of the former prime minister.

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said it will file FIRs against the Punjab Rangers and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in relation to the high drama that followed on 9 May when the country witnessed violent protests following the arrest of the former prime minister. According to the party, the paramilitary forces were apparently vying for Imran Khan's “abduction” from the grounds of the Islamabad High Court. On 9 May, following Imran Khan's arrest, there were mass demonstrations across Pakistan which resulted in the killing of PTI workers while several others were injured. PTI said that there was “false, absurd, and baseless propaganda” carried out against the party in connection with the violent clashes that broke out on the day Imran Khan was arrested. While claiming that the party has a clean track record for the last 27 years of its history, PTI said it adheres to the laws of the land and democratic principles. It further added that the party sticks to peaceful processes and does not resort to violence in politics. PTI claimed that even when on 3 November 2022 when an assassination attempt was carried out against Imran Khan while he was giving a speech in Wazirabad, Punjab, the party did not do anything that would have incited violence in the country. Also Read | Thailand election result 2023: Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party stun military loyalists The PTI demanded a thorough inquiry into any intentional attempts to cause mayhem during peaceful rallies by Imran Khan's supporters. It called on to investigate the shootings of people. The PTI urged for the creation of a high-level commission made up of Supreme Court justices to look into what happened on 9 May. It claimed that charges should be brought against those responsible for the killings of civilians during the protests that followed Imran Khan's detention. Also Read | Turkey Elections 2023 | Erdogan takes an early lead; reports suggest country headed for May 28 runoffs The PTI pledged to identify all authorities responsible for violence on PTI demonstrators, including the interior minister and interim chief ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PTI condemns internet ban The PTI strongly condemned the government’s recent ban on internet and social media access throughout the country, viewing it as an attempt to suppress the truth. Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead × The party demanded an immediate restoration of internet connectivity. Calls for conducting provincial elections The PTI questioned the legal and constitutional validity of the caretaker government in Punjab, referring to the Supreme Court’s deadline of May 14 for elections in the province. It asserted that the failure to hold elections in Punjab today, in accordance with constitutional and Supreme Court orders, constituted a severe infringement upon the constitution. Imran Khan is likely to appear before the Lahore High Court today, 15 May. This is in relation to the cases against him for incidents of violence that erupted after his arrest last week. 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. ×

PTI to file FIRs against Rangers, NAB over Imran’s ‘abduction’ on 9 May

Thousands of Pakistani government supporters converged on the country's Supreme Court on Monday, in a rare challenge to the nation's judiciary. The demonstrators demanded the resignation of the chief justice over ordering the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pro-govt protesters accuse Pakistan Chief Justice of bias

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday reached the Lahore High Court to seek bail in the cases registered against him for torching the house of the Corps Commander and other incidents of violence erupted after his arrest last week.

Pakistan: Imran Khan reaches Lahore High Court to seek bail

<p>Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals.</p>

<p>Little after noon's sun halved over Islamabad on May 9, heavy batons beat through the glasses of a courtroom of the Pakistani capital. The batons and the men beating them through belonged to Pakistan Rangers, a paramilitary force associated with guarding South Asian nuclear power's borders with India. Inside the courtroom was the country's cricket icon-turned-political phenomenon Imran Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once the glasses were broken enough, Khan, the ousted prime minister, was taken in by the Rangers citing an anti-corruption arrest warrant.</p>

<p>Imran Khan was released days later after Supreme Court deemed his arrest illegal and asked him to approach the high court for bail.</p>

<p>"Why the Rangers had to arrest me?," Khan asked on May 13 in his first public address after his release. "It was the task for Islamabad Police. Why the army had to arrest me?," Khan added, underlining the irrevocable role of Pakistani army in running the affairs of country's power corridors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time of filing this report, Khan has been booked in a case under Pakistan Army Act, meaning he will face trial in a military court.</p>

<p>Read this and more, in The Capitals this week.</p>

<h2><strong>Ankara, Turkey</strong></h2>

<p>Months after Turkey faced one of the most devastating earthquakes of all time, Ankara's corridors of power are witnessing a sea of change that has challenged President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's dominance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country on Sunday voted in a momentous election. In the capital Ankara, Sunday's vote could extend President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's two-decade grip on power or put the mostly Muslim nation on a more secular course.</p>

<p>The emergence of Kemal Kilicdaroglu and his six-party alliance -- a group that forms the type of broad-based coalition that Erdogan excelled at forging throughout his career -- has emerged as an alternatives to the Turkish voters.</p>

<h2><strong>Bangkok, Thailand</strong></h2>

<p>The military-backed government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha is tipped to be out of Thai capital, almost after a decade in power.</p>

<p>Opinion surveys pointed to a resounding defeat for ex-army chief and coup leader Prayut after a campaign that played out as a clash between a young generation yearning for change and the traditionalist establishment.</p>

<p>The main opposition Pheu Thai party, fronted by the daughter of billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, was ahead in final opinion polls.</p>

<h2><strong>Jerusalem, Israel</strong></h2>

<p>The individuals in power in the Israeli capital agreed to a ceasefire with Islamic Jihad, deemed a terrorist group by Jerusalem, Washington D.C. and Brussels, after days of violence claimed the lives of 35 people in the volatile West Asian region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the rockets continued to be fired from Gaza in the minutes when the ceasefire was supposed to go into effect.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rome, Italy</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met Pope Francis in Rome this week, in an attempt to propel more support towards Kyiv's war effort against Russia. Zelensky met President Giorgia Meloni first, and received an assurance towards continued support for Kyiv against Russian President Vladimir Putin's military aggression.</p>

<h2><strong>Washington D.C., United States of America</strong></h2>

<p>Washington ended an immigration policy known as Title 42, and returned to its pre-pandemic Title 8 law that governs asylum and deportations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following this change, tens of thousands of migrants have surged to the US-Mexico border, and US President Joe Biden acknowledged that the change on May 11 would mean "it's going to be chaotic for a little while".</p>

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Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Little after noon's sun halved over Islamabad on May 9, heavy batons beat through the glasses of a courtroom of the Pakistani capital.

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Little after noon's sun halved over Islamabad on May 9, heavy batons beat through the glasses of a courtroom of the Pakistani capital. The batons and the men beating them through belonged to Pakistan Rangers, a paramilitary force associated with guarding South Asian nuclear power's borders with India. Inside the courtroom was the country's cricket icon-turned-political phenomenon Imran Khan. Once the glasses were broken enough, Khan, the ousted prime minister, was taken in by the Rangers citing an anti-corruption arrest warrant. Imran Khan was released days later after Supreme Court deemed his arrest illegal and asked him to approach the high court for bail. "Why the Rangers had to arrest me?," Khan asked on May 13 in his first public address after his release. "It was the task for Islamabad Police. Why the army had to arrest me?," Khan added, underlining the irrevocable role of Pakistani army in running the affairs of country's power corridors. At the time of filing this report, Khan has been booked in a case under Pakistan Army Act, meaning he will face trial in a military court. Read this and more, in The Capitals this week. Ankara, Turkey Months after Turkey faced one of the most devastating earthquakes of all time, Ankara's corridors of power are witnessing a sea of change that has challenged President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's dominance. The country on Sunday voted in a momentous election. In the capital Ankara, Sunday's vote could extend President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's two-decade grip on power or put the mostly Muslim nation on a more secular course. The emergence of Kemal Kilicdaroglu and his six-party alliance -- a group that forms the type of broad-based coalition that Erdogan excelled at forging throughout his career -- has emerged as an alternatives to the Turkish voters. Bangkok, Thailand The military-backed government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha is tipped to be out of Thai capital, almost after a decade in power. Opinion surveys pointed to a resounding defeat for ex-army chief and coup leader Prayut after a campaign that played out as a clash between a young generation yearning for change and the traditionalist establishment. The main opposition Pheu Thai party, fronted by the daughter of billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, was ahead in final opinion polls. Jerusalem, Israel The individuals in power in the Israeli capital agreed to a ceasefire with Islamic Jihad, deemed a terrorist group by Jerusalem, Washington D.C. and Brussels, after days of violence claimed the lives of 35 people in the volatile West Asian region. Meanwhile, the rockets continued to be fired from Gaza in the minutes when the ceasefire was supposed to go into effect. Rome, Italy Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met Pope Francis in Rome this week, in an attempt to propel more support towards Kyiv's war effort against Russia. Zelensky met President Giorgia Meloni first, and received an assurance towards continued support for Kyiv against Russian President Vladimir Putin's military aggression. Washington D.C., United States of America Washington ended an immigration policy known as Title 42, and returned to its pre-pandemic Title 8 law that governs asylum and deportations. Following this change, tens of thousands of migrants have surged to the US-Mexico border, and US President Joe Biden acknowledged that the change on May 11 would mean "it's going to be chaotic for a little while". 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.

The Capitals: Islamabad's Imran Khan moment, Ankara's tryst beyond Erdogan, and more

With the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan last week, which led to violent rallies against Pakistan's all-powerful army, the crisis reached unprecedented heights. After the Supreme Court intervened in the case, the former prime minister was eventually released.

Ex-PM Imran Khan reminds nation of erstwhile east Pakistan

<p>Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, in his first address after his arrest earlier this week, slammed what he termed his "illegal abduction" from the Islamabad High Court. Khan evoked the country's division from East Pakistan- present-day Bangladesh- and recalled the ethnic massacre of Bengali people committed by the&nbsp;Army following an election scandal in the late 1960s.</p>

<p>"Our 90,000 troops surrendered," Khan said, while referring to the largest surrender since the Second World War in 1971, against India-supported advances of Bangladesh's liberation front named <em>Mukti Bahini</em> in the erstwhile East Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This [repression] did not work then [in the run-up to Bangladesh's creation]. It will not work now," Imran Khan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf [PTI] leader also recalled the US special forces' operation that killed al-Qaeda terrorist chief Osama bin Laden in May 2011.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-arrested-a-look-at-cricketer-turned-politicians-political-life-so-far-590665">Imran Khan arrested: A look at cricketer-turned-politician's political life so far</a></strong></p>

<p>"You cannot imagine what Pakistanis abroad went through when Osama was killed in Abbottabad. I defended the army then," Khan said, while referring to Pakistan Army's accusation that Khan's political acts had been maligning the country's military forces.</p>

<p>Khan was released on Friday after Supreme Court termed his arrest illegal and directed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader to approach the high court to seek bail.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan: Imran Khan attacks Army Chief, says 'no rule of law in Pakistan' | WION Pulse</strong></p>

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<p>"Why the Rangers had to arrest me?," Khan said, referring to his May 9 arrest by Pakistan Rangers, the country's key paramilitary force. "It was the task for Islamabad Police. Why the army had to arrest me?," Khan added.</p>

<p>In Pakistan, the military-intelligence nexus, collectively dubbed as 'establishment',&nbsp;continues to be a powerful force of significance in and beyond country's political affairs. It still is responsible for all civilian administration appointments and promotions, a power given to it by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif soon after he replaced Imran Khan from Islamabad's corridors of power after a no-confidence vote in April 2022.</p>

<p>"Today, our democracy is hanging by a thread and the judiciary can save it. This&nbsp;mafia is going all out in attacking the judiciary," Khan said, while referring to his arrest in Islamabad&nbsp;on May 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Secondly, I am also thankful to the public that came out, the ones who were peaceful, because my supporters, voters and workers have always remained peaceful in our 27 years of politics," Imran Khan said.</p>

<p>Referring to a shooting incident in which he was injured in November 2023, Khan said: "I know that a plan was devised to kill me."</p>

<p>"I know the names of all the actors involved in it, from top to bottom. I know who gave the green light. I know who gave the green light to the person I name. And colluding with them were two civilians — Shehbaz Sharif and Rana Sanaullah," Khan said, while accusing&nbsp;Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and interior minister Rana Sanaullah of being part of a plot to assassinate him.</p>

<p>Khan called upon the Pakistani citizens to come out of their homes on the evening of May 14, with a placard, stating,&nbsp;"<em>Haqiqi azadi. Ain bachao. Pakistan bachao</em>." [Essential freedom (rooted in Islamic philosophy), Save Democracy, Save Pakistan].&nbsp;</p>

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Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, in his first address after his arrest earlier this week, slammed what he termed his "illegal abduction" from the Islamabad High Court.

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, in his first address after his arrest earlier this week, slammed what he termed his "illegal abduction" from the Islamabad High Court. Khan evoked the country's division from East Pakistan- present-day Bangladesh- and recalled the ethnic massacre of Bengali people committed by the Army following an election scandal in the late 1960s. "Our 90,000 troops surrendered," Khan said, while referring to the largest surrender since the Second World War in 1971, against India-supported advances of Bangladesh's liberation front named Mukti Bahini in the erstwhile East Pakistan. "This [repression] did not work then [in the run-up to Bangladesh's creation]. It will not work now," Imran Khan said. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf [PTI] leader also recalled the US special forces' operation that killed al-Qaeda terrorist chief Osama bin Laden in May 2011. ALSO READ | Imran Khan arrested: A look at cricketer-turned-politician's political life so far "You cannot imagine what Pakistanis abroad went through when Osama was killed in Abbottabad. I defended the army then," Khan said, while referring to Pakistan Army's accusation that Khan's political acts had been maligning the country's military forces. Khan was released on Friday after Supreme Court termed his arrest illegal and directed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader to approach the high court to seek bail. ALSO WATCH | Pakistan: Imran Khan attacks Army Chief, says 'no rule of law in Pakistan' | WION Pulse × "Why the Rangers had to arrest me?," Khan said, referring to his May 9 arrest by Pakistan Rangers, the country's key paramilitary force. "It was the task for Islamabad Police. Why the army had to arrest me?," Khan added. In Pakistan, the military-intelligence nexus, collectively dubbed as 'establishment', continues to be a powerful force of significance in and beyond country's political affairs. It still is responsible for all civilian administration appointments and promotions, a power given to it by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif soon after he replaced Imran Khan from Islamabad's corridors of power after a no-confidence vote in April 2022. "Today, our democracy is hanging by a thread and the judiciary can save it. This mafia is going all out in attacking the judiciary," Khan said, while referring to his arrest in Islamabad on May 9. "Secondly, I am also thankful to the public that came out, the ones who were peaceful, because my supporters, voters and workers have always remained peaceful in our 27 years of politics," Imran Khan said. Referring to a shooting incident in which he was injured in November 2023, Khan said: "I know that a plan was devised to kill me." "I know the names of all the actors involved in it, from top to bottom. I know who gave the green light. I know who gave the green light to the person I name. And colluding with them were two civilians — Shehbaz Sharif and Rana Sanaullah," Khan said, while accusing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and interior minister Rana Sanaullah of being part of a plot to assassinate him. Khan called upon the Pakistani citizens to come out of their homes on the evening of May 14, with a placard, stating, "Haqiqi azadi. Ain bachao. Pakistan bachao." [Essential freedom (rooted in Islamic philosophy), Save Democracy, Save Pakistan]. 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 recalls Bangladesh liberation, Osama's killing to slam Pakistan Army

<p dir="ltr">Pakistan’s political climate has been volatile for a while now. A special bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday (May 12) granted bail to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-high-court-grants-two-week-bail-to-imran-khan-591656">former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan</a> for two weeks in all ongoing cases. However, the political theatrics that are ripping Pakistan apart are also diverting attention away from the country’s underlying problem: a broken and ailing economy.</p>

<p>With inflation touching a 50-year high, putting food on the table has become a challenge for Pakistan's poorest, who account for <a href="https://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/Country-Profiles/MPI/PAK.pdf">one-third of the population</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan overtook Sri Lanka for Asia's fastest inflation in April, as a weaker currency and rising food and energy costs propelled price hike&nbsp;to a record, reported Bloomberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan needs significantly more financing for successful bailout review-IMF</strong></p>

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<p>The country’s&nbsp;currency, the Pakistani rupee, fell to a new low when the military intervened to put an end to violent protests sparked by the arrest of Khan on Tuesday (May 9).</p>

<p>According to Arif Habib Ltd's foreign-exchange desk, the rupee fell 3.3 per cent to an all-time low of $300 per dollar on Thursday (May 11).</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Pakistan's current Gross Domestic Product (<a href="https://data.worldbank.org/country/pakistan">GDP</a>), per capita income, and GDP growth rates are all the lowest in the region, with only Taliban-ruled Afghanistan's economy performing worse.&nbsp;Its unemployment and inflation rates are also among the highest in South Asia.</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">In 2022, Pakistan was ranked at 161 out of 185 nations by the <a href="https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2021-22pdf_1.pdf">Human Development Index</a>, which analyses a country’s achievements across three core dimensions: life expectancy, education, and standard of living.&nbsp;</div>

<p>In a nutshell, Pakistan is one of the 25 nations in the world with the lowest level of human development.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">There is also a significant external dimension to the problem, with rising global food and fuel costs as a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The confluence of all of these variables has resulted in what may be Pakistan's greatest economic crisis to date.</div>

<p dir="ltr">However, the political crisis that is consuming Pakistan is undermining expectations that the South Asian country would soon be able to resume its much-needed International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programme and avoid a full-fledged financial crisis.</p>

<p>“Time is ticking away. It seems the IMF still has reservations that Pakistan has not met all the conditions to reach an agreement for it to release the $1.2 billion loan tranche under an already agreed loan facility,” Prof Ajay Darshan Behera,&nbsp;Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Pakistan needs $4 billion by this June to meet its debt obligations. In addition, it needs another $11 billion for debt repayments by December 2023. Without the $1.2 billion coming through from the IMF soon, other countries are also not going to release committed loans to Pakistan. In this scenario, Pakistan is likely to default on its loans,” added Prof. Behera.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan is expected to repay $73 billion by 2025, but this will be difficult without debt restructuring.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-says-hes-worried-they-will-pick-him-again-warns-of-same-reaction-if-arrested-again-591698"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Imran Khan says he's worried 'they' will pick him again; warns of 'same reaction' if arrested again</a></p>

<p>“Pakistan’s economy desperately requires external support to avoid the default and also stabilise. The IMF loan, even if it comes through, cannot resolve the economic crisis for the country. It will only give it a breather,” Dr Shalini Chawla, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi, told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The IMF loan will open other channels of funding for Pakistan. So the country needs to convince the IMF. Additionally, what can actually alter the economic dynamics of Pakistan is a debt waiver. Pakistan should seek a debt waiver from China given the fact that it owes a significant percentage of debt to China and Beijing is its strongest ally,” added Dr Chawla.</p>

<h2><b id="docs-internal-guid-94a7f59e-7fff-2a61-6eac-8b52fda92f29">Why was Imran Khan arrested?</b></h2>

<p>The Pakistan&nbsp;Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)&nbsp;chief was arrested on Tuesday (May 9) during an appearance at the Islamabad High Court in connection with several lawsuits brought against him. Khan had&nbsp;been arrested in connection with the <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 also involves his wife and other PTI leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
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Pakistan’s political climate has been volatile for a while now. A special bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday (May 12) granted bail to former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan for two weeks in all ongoing cases.

Pakistan’s political climate has been volatile for a while now. A special bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday (May 12) granted bail to former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan for two weeks in all ongoing cases. However, the political theatrics that are ripping Pakistan apart are also diverting attention away from the country’s underlying problem: a broken and ailing economy. With inflation touching a 50-year high, putting food on the table has become a challenge for Pakistan's poorest, who account for one-third of the population. Pakistan overtook Sri Lanka for Asia's fastest inflation in April, as a weaker currency and rising food and energy costs propelled price hike to a record, reported Bloomberg. ALSO WATCH | Pakistan needs significantly more financing for successful bailout review-IMF The country’s currency, the Pakistani rupee, fell to a new low when the military intervened to put an end to violent protests sparked by the arrest of Khan on Tuesday (May 9). According to Arif Habib Ltd's foreign-exchange desk, the rupee fell 3.3 per cent to an all-time low of $300 per dollar on Thursday (May 11). Pakistan's current Gross Domestic Product (GDP), per capita income, and GDP growth rates are all the lowest in the region, with only Taliban-ruled Afghanistan's economy performing worse. Its unemployment and inflation rates are also among the highest in South Asia. In 2022, Pakistan was ranked at 161 out of 185 nations by the Human Development Index, which analyses a country’s achievements across three core dimensions: life expectancy, education, and standard of living. In a nutshell, Pakistan is one of the 25 nations in the world with the lowest level of human development. There is also a significant external dimension to the problem, with rising global food and fuel costs as a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The confluence of all of these variables has resulted in what may be Pakistan's greatest economic crisis to date. However, the political crisis that is consuming Pakistan is undermining expectations that the South Asian country would soon be able to resume its much-needed International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programme and avoid a full-fledged financial crisis. “Time is ticking away. It seems the IMF still has reservations that Pakistan has not met all the conditions to reach an agreement for it to release the $1.2 billion loan tranche under an already agreed loan facility,” Prof Ajay Darshan Behera, Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, told WION. “Pakistan needs $4 billion by this June to meet its debt obligations. In addition, it needs another $11 billion for debt repayments by December 2023. Without the $1.2 billion coming through from the IMF soon, other countries are also not going to release committed loans to Pakistan. In this scenario, Pakistan is likely to default on its loans,” added Prof. Behera. Pakistan is expected to repay $73 billion by 2025, but this will be difficult without debt restructuring. ALSO READ | Imran Khan says he's worried 'they' will pick him again; warns of 'same reaction' if arrested again “Pakistan’s economy desperately requires external support to avoid the default and also stabilise. The IMF loan, even if it comes through, cannot resolve the economic crisis for the country. It will only give it a breather,” Dr Shalini Chawla, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi, told WION. “The IMF loan will open other channels of funding for Pakistan. So the country needs to convince the IMF. Additionally, what can actually alter the economic dynamics of Pakistan is a debt waiver. Pakistan should seek a debt waiver from China given the fact that it owes a significant percentage of debt to China and Beijing is its strongest ally,” added Dr Chawla. Why was Imran Khan arrested? The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief was arrested on Tuesday (May 9) during an appearance at the Islamabad High Court in connection with several lawsuits brought against him. Khan had been arrested in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case, which also involves his wife and other PTI leaders. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

It’s the economy, stupid: The Imran Khan drama, other political rows are holding Pak’s dire finances hostage

Imran Khan warns that Pakistan is fast turning into a Banana Republic 29 Palestinians killed as Israel carries out 'pre-emptive' strikes in the Gaza strip & there is no end to gun terror in the United States as 8 people get killed in a mass shooting at a mall in Texas.

World at War: Ukraine strikes Russia with long range Storm Shadow missile for the first time

Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, was granted two-week bail by the Islamabad High Court a few days after his detention on corruption-related accusations by an anti-graft organisation. Imran Khan's immediate release was ordered by the Supreme Court on Thursday, which deemed his arrest to be "unlawful" and "illegal."

Pakistan: Imran Khan attacks Army Chief, says 'no rule of law in Pakistan' | WION Pulse

72 hours after being arrested, Imran Khan has been granted bail. During his court appearance, he also made a direct attack against the Pak Army chief, saying one man runs everything in the country. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Imran Khan's direct attack against Pak Army Chief

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan reached his residence here Saturday early morning after a prolonged standoff with authorities in Islamabad during which he was made to stay in the court premises over the provision of security to him despite being granted bail in a number of cases.

Pakistan: Former PM Imran Khan targets government, army establishment

<p>In an interview with Geo News, Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major-General Ahmed Sharif on Friday (May 12), refuted allegations of imposition of martial law in Pakistan. This comes amid reports of unrest and resignations within the military ranks of the Pakistan army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on Geo News, Sharif said, “I want to say very clearly that Gen Asim Munir and the senior army leadership under him wholeheartedly support democracy and will keep doing so. There is no question of martial law.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as Pakistan is witnessing days-long political turmoil following the sudden arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan. Amid nationwide protests, army installations were also targeted. “Despite efforts of domestic miscreants and foreign enemies, the army was, is and will remain united under COAS (Chief of Army Staff) Gen Asim Munir,” said the military’s top spokesperson.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-high-court-grants-two-week-bail-to-imran-khan-591656">&nbsp;Islamabad High Court grants two-week bail to Imran Khan in all ongoing cases</a></strong><br />
<br />
He added, “The dream of dividing it will always remain a dream. No one has resigned and nor has anyone disobeyed any order.” According to reports, several high-ranking officials in the Pakistan army have resigned amid recent violence which has killed at least eight people so far, reported news agency Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The army has warned against further attacks on its assets and has called the violence “pre-planned”. Notably, the country’s army remains Pakistan’s most powerful institution, having reportedly&nbsp;ruled it directly for nearly half of its 75-year history through three coups. They have also previously intervened citing economic or political instability in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-government-if-released-well-rearrest-imran-khan-591637">Pakistan government: If released, we'll rearrest Imran Khan</a></strong></p>

<p>“The army’s senior leadership, the chief of army staff places its complete trust in democracy,” Sharif told Geo News. The army will continue to counter any false narratives or attempts to disrupt the unity within its rank, he said, as per The Express Tribune, and called on the public and media to rely on verified information from official sources as opposed to reports and speculations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes after the former Pakistan PM said on Friday that there is no rule of law in Pakistan and that it is being run by only one man – the Army chief. “There is no rule of law in Pakistan,” said the PTI party chief, adding that “it is run by only one man and that’s the Army chief.”&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-says-hes-worried-they-will-pick-him-again-warns-of-same-reaction-if-arrested-again-591698">Imran Khan slams Pakistan army chief, says nation ‘being run by only one man’</a></strong><br />
<br />
He also went on to assure that if he gets re-elected as the Pakistan PM, he will “not denotify” the army chief. On Friday, the Islamabad High Court granted the PTI chairman bail for two weeks in the Al-Qadir Trust case and all others.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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In an interview with Geo News, Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major-General Ahmed Sharif on Friday (May 12), refuted allegations of imposition of martial law in Pakistan.

In an interview with Geo News, Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major-General Ahmed Sharif on Friday (May 12), refuted allegations of imposition of martial law in Pakistan. This comes amid reports of unrest and resignations within the military ranks of the Pakistan army. Speaking on Geo News, Sharif said, “I want to say very clearly that Gen Asim Munir and the senior army leadership under him wholeheartedly support democracy and will keep doing so. There is no question of martial law.” This comes as Pakistan is witnessing days-long political turmoil following the sudden arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan. Amid nationwide protests, army installations were also targeted. “Despite efforts of domestic miscreants and foreign enemies, the army was, is and will remain united under COAS (Chief of Army Staff) Gen Asim Munir,” said the military’s top spokesperson. ALSO READ | Islamabad High Court grants two-week bail to Imran Khan in all ongoing cases He added, “The dream of dividing it will always remain a dream. No one has resigned and nor has anyone disobeyed any order.” According to reports, several high-ranking officials in the Pakistan army have resigned amid recent violence which has killed at least eight people so far, reported news agency Reuters. The army has warned against further attacks on its assets and has called the violence “pre-planned”. Notably, the country’s army remains Pakistan’s most powerful institution, having reportedly ruled it directly for nearly half of its 75-year history through three coups. They have also previously intervened citing economic or political instability in the country. ALSO WATCH | Pakistan government: If released, we'll rearrest Imran Khan “The army’s senior leadership, the chief of army staff places its complete trust in democracy,” Sharif told Geo News. The army will continue to counter any false narratives or attempts to disrupt the unity within its rank, he said, as per The Express Tribune, and called on the public and media to rely on verified information from official sources as opposed to reports and speculations. This also comes after the former Pakistan PM said on Friday that there is no rule of law in Pakistan and that it is being run by only one man – the Army chief. “There is no rule of law in Pakistan,” said the PTI party chief, adding that “it is run by only one man and that’s the Army chief.” ALSO READ | Imran Khan slams Pakistan army chief, says nation ‘being run by only one man’ He also went on to assure that if he gets re-elected as the Pakistan PM, he will “not denotify” the army chief. On Friday, the Islamabad High Court granted the PTI chairman bail for two weeks in the Al-Qadir Trust case and all others. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

‘No question of martial law’: Pakistan army amid reports of internal chaos

Pakistan: Supporters cheer in Lahore as PTI chief Imran Khan returns home

Supporters cheer in Lahore as PTI chief Imran Khan returns home

Pakistan's former Prime Minister and PTI Chief Imran Khan, who spent 48 hours in the custody of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) after a dramatic arrest on Tuesday, got a relief from the Supreme Court on Thursday. Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the immediate release of Imran Khan and termed his arrest as 'unlawful' and 'illegal'.

Pakistan: Big relief for former PM Imran Khan, Islamabad HC stops proceedings until further orders

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Pakistan's former prime minister and PTI Chief Imran Khan got a reprieve on Thursday as the Supreme Court ruled his arrest in a corruption case was unlawful and ordered his release.

Imran Khan's supporters celebrate Pakistan Supreme Court's order  | WION Speed News

As Pakistan descends into anarchy, Indian troops along the border have been put on alert. They've been asked to prepare for any untoward incident. Mohammed Saleh reports.

Gravitas: Anarchy in Pakistan, India on alert

Pakistan needs significant additional financing for a successful completion of the long-stalled ninth review of the International Monetary Fund's bailout package, the IMF said in a scheduled press conference on Thursday.

Pakistan needs significantly more financing for successful bailout review -IMF

<p>Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that there&nbsp;is no rule of law in Pakistan&nbsp;and that it is being run by only one man — the Army chief. The former prime minister also said that&nbsp;he is worried that his opponents will have him arrested once again. He was sharing&nbsp;his misgivings after the Islamabad High Court granted him bail.</p>

<p>Talking to the press, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chief said, "There&nbsp;is no rule of law in Pakistan," and that "it is run by only one man and that’s the Army chief."</p>

<p>Khan also assured that if he gets re-elected as the Pakistan PM, he will "not denotify" the army chief.</p>

<p>"Army chief is insecure as I removed him as ISPR chief. I will not denotify him when I come to power," Khan said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-calls-imran-khan-ladla-labels-islamabad-hcs-relief-for-ex-pm-double-standards-591706">Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif calls Imran Khan 'ladla', labels Supreme Court's 'relief' for ex-PM 'double standards'</a></strong></p>

<p>The PTI chief claimed that he was worried that "they will pick me&nbsp;up&nbsp;again."</p>

<p>"They will arrest me again because they will just come up with another case," he said.</p>

<p>On Friday, the Islamabad High Court granted the PTI chairman bail for two weeks in the Al-Qadir Trust case and all others.</p>

<p>Thanking the court for its decision, he said that the nation's judicial system is the "only thing which is stopping Pakistan from becoming a complete banana Republic where the law of the jungle prevails."</p>

<p>"The only hope we have is the judiciary, which again protected me," he said, adding that he's still not sure that when he steps out of the High Court "they" won't arrest him yet again.</p>

<p>Denouncing Pakistan's violence over the last four days, Khan said that he condemns the violence. "This is my country, my&nbsp;army,&nbsp;my&nbsp;people," he added.</p>

<p>However, he warned that if he is arrested again, the country can expect the same reaction from his followers and that he wants to avoid such a situation.</p>

<p>In a major relief for Khan, Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday declared his arrest from the Islamabad High Court premises on Tuesday unlawful.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His arrest, which involved manhandling at the hands of paramilitary troops, was declared "invalid" and his immediate release was ordered after Khan was produced before a bench on SC's orders. The Pakistan Supreme Court also demanded that the process be 'backtracked'.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that there is no rule of law in Pakistan and that it is being run by only one man — the Army chief. The former prime minister also said that he is worried that his opponents will have him arrested once again.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that there is no rule of law in Pakistan and that it is being run by only one man — the Army chief. The former prime minister also said that he is worried that his opponents will have him arrested once again. He was sharing his misgivings after the Islamabad High Court granted him bail. Talking to the press, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chief said, "There is no rule of law in Pakistan," and that "it is run by only one man and that’s the Army chief." Khan also assured that if he gets re-elected as the Pakistan PM, he will "not denotify" the army chief. "Army chief is insecure as I removed him as ISPR chief. I will not denotify him when I come to power," Khan said. Also read | Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif calls Imran Khan 'ladla', labels Supreme Court's 'relief' for ex-PM 'double standards' The PTI chief claimed that he was worried that "they will pick me up again." "They will arrest me again because they will just come up with another case," he said. On Friday, the Islamabad High Court granted the PTI chairman bail for two weeks in the Al-Qadir Trust case and all others. Thanking the court for its decision, he said that the nation's judicial system is the "only thing which is stopping Pakistan from becoming a complete banana Republic where the law of the jungle prevails." "The only hope we have is the judiciary, which again protected me," he said, adding that he's still not sure that when he steps out of the High Court "they" won't arrest him yet again. Denouncing Pakistan's violence over the last four days, Khan said that he condemns the violence. "This is my country, my army, my people," he added. However, he warned that if he is arrested again, the country can expect the same reaction from his followers and that he wants to avoid such a situation. In a major relief for Khan, Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday declared his arrest from the Islamabad High Court premises on Tuesday unlawful. His arrest, which involved manhandling at the hands of paramilitary troops, was declared "invalid" and his immediate release was ordered after Khan was produced before a bench on SC's orders. The Pakistan Supreme Court also demanded that the process be 'backtracked'. (With inputs from agencies) 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 slams Pakistan army chief, says nation ‘being run by only one man’

In Pakistan, the top court declared Imran Khan's arrest as illegal. In India, the Supreme Court upheld the power of the elected government of Delhi. With their respective ruling, have the top courts once again proved that they are free and fearless?

Gravitas: Imran Khan & Delhi ruling: Top courts in India and Pakistan underline checks and balances

Pak SC says Imran Khan's arrest in 'unlawful', orders his release

<p>In yet another arrest of Pakistan's PTI opposition leader, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari was detained by the Islamabad Police in the early hours of Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mazari's daughter and lawyer Imaan Hazir-Mazari posted a video on Twitter where armed men can be seen forcibly breaking into her home to take the former minister into custody.</p>

<p>The video was apparently of a CCTV footage that showed gunmen wearing plain clothes jumping the door to arrest the female politician.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/adani-enterprises-to-consider-fundraising-after-scrapped-fpo-591483">Adani Enterprises to consider fundraising after scrapped FPO</a></p>

<p>In another video that surfaced on Twitter, Islamabad police can be seen removing the minister from her home.&nbsp;Mazari was present at the time of the raid alongside with her daughter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Mazari put up a defiant face at the time of her arrest. At the time of her arrest when she was led to a police car, Mazari held up a victory sign and shouted "victory for democracy."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also denounced "state terrorism" as unacceptable.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Taking away an ex human rights minister in an inhumane way to oppress her political views is shameful. As a victim of such atrocities we condemn these late night raids to intimidate political workers. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImranKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImranKhan</a><br />
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Stay strong <a href="https://twitter.com/ImaanZHazir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImaanZHazir</a> &amp; family. <a href="https://t.co/DLI9JYzV9e">pic.twitter.com/DLI9JYzV9e</a></p>
— Hassan Butt (@IHassanButt) <a href="https://twitter.com/IHassanButt/status/1656812084058021893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mazari's daughter before posting the video tweeted that over 50 police officers with guns entered her home. “Our SVP Dr Shireen Mazari is being abducted at this precise moment. Police have also entered with guns her home, reaching a new low. Extremely shameful!” the party tweeted.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/e-jean-carroll-might-sue-trump-over-cnn-town-hall-remarks-591474">E. Jean Carroll might sue Trump over CNN town hall remarks</a>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EXCLUSIVE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EXCLUSIVE</a>: CCTV video of former federal human rights minister and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PTI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PTI</a> leader <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShireenMazari1</a> house, plain clothes gunman can be seen jumping the door to arrest a female politician. <a href="https://t.co/C6sVHHTPTD">pic.twitter.com/C6sVHHTPTD</a></p>
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) <a href="https://twitter.com/AsadAToor/status/1656822549853126657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Many PTI leaders have been arrested so far. It included Imran Khan, Ali Mohammad Khan, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Shah Mehmood Qureshi&nbsp;and Asad Umar.</p>

<p>Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has said that if the situation prolongs there is a possibility of an emergency being declared in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Marriyum Aurangzeb, the information minister, dismissed the possibility of a national emergency. She asserted that it is "business as usual."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Gravitas: Israeli attacks kill 4 Islamic jihad members in the Gaza strip</strong></p>

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<p>Aurangzeb also said that the administration was not “hungry for power." She maintained that elections will be conducted when the federal coalition completed its legal mandate.</p>

<p>Imran Khan's arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case was declared illegal by country's Supreme Court on May 11. The court also instructed the authorities to release him immediately.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PTI leader was allowed to spend the night with his family at the Police Lines Guest House. Supreme Court also ordered the former PM to appear before Islamabad High Court (IHC), which earlier ruled that Imran Khan's arrest lawful.&nbsp;</p>

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In yet another arrest of Pakistan's PTI opposition leader, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari was detained by the Islamabad Police in the early hours of Friday.

In yet another arrest of Pakistan's PTI opposition leader, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari was detained by the Islamabad Police in the early hours of Friday. Mazari's daughter and lawyer Imaan Hazir-Mazari posted a video on Twitter where armed men can be seen forcibly breaking into her home to take the former minister into custody. The video was apparently of a CCTV footage that showed gunmen wearing plain clothes jumping the door to arrest the female politician. Also Read | Adani Enterprises to consider fundraising after scrapped FPO In another video that surfaced on Twitter, Islamabad police can be seen removing the minister from her home. Mazari was present at the time of the raid alongside with her daughter. However, Mazari put up a defiant face at the time of her arrest. At the time of her arrest when she was led to a police car, Mazari held up a victory sign and shouted "victory for democracy." She also denounced "state terrorism" as unacceptable. Taking away an ex human rights minister in an inhumane way to oppress her political views is shameful. As a victim of such atrocities we condemn these late night raids to intimidate political workers. #ImranKhan Stay strong @ImaanZHazir & family. pic.twitter.com/DLI9JYzV9e — Hassan Butt (@IHassanButt) May 12, 2023 × Mazari's daughter before posting the video tweeted that over 50 police officers with guns entered her home. “Our SVP Dr Shireen Mazari is being abducted at this precise moment. Police have also entered with guns her home, reaching a new low. Extremely shameful!” the party tweeted. Also Read | E. Jean Carroll might sue Trump over CNN town hall remarks #EXCLUSIVE: CCTV video of former federal human rights minister and #PTI leader @ShireenMazari1 house, plain clothes gunman can be seen jumping the door to arrest a female politician. pic.twitter.com/C6sVHHTPTD — Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) May 12, 2023 × Many PTI leaders have been arrested so far. It included Imran Khan, Ali Mohammad Khan, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Asad Umar. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has said that if the situation prolongs there is a possibility of an emergency being declared in the country. However, Marriyum Aurangzeb, the information minister, dismissed the possibility of a national emergency. She asserted that it is "business as usual." Watch | Gravitas: Israeli attacks kill 4 Islamic jihad members in the Gaza strip × Aurangzeb also said that the administration was not “hungry for power." She maintained that elections will be conducted when the federal coalition completed its legal mandate. Imran Khan's arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case was declared illegal by country's Supreme Court on May 11. The court also instructed the authorities to release him immediately. The PTI leader was allowed to spend the night with his family at the Police Lines Guest House. Supreme Court also ordered the former PM to appear before Islamabad High Court (IHC), which earlier ruled that Imran Khan's arrest lawful. 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.

WATCH | PTI leader Shireen Mazari arrested, CCTV footage shows armed cops entering her Islamabad house

<p>Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has said that if the current situation in the country persists, then there is a possibility of an emergency being declared.</p>

<p>The minister made the statement while speaking to WION's Pakistan correspondent Anas Mallick.</p>

<p>When asked about the “rumours of an emergency situation in Pakistan”, the minister said, “If the situation continues like this, then emergency is a constitutional option, no chances of martial law in the country.”</p>

<p>Questioning the Supreme Court's order to release Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, the minister stated, “Why are there two yardsticks in this country? The court should have taken suo motu on the army installations but it wasn't taken. Nawaz Sharif, Zardari, Maryam, me, none of us&nbsp;got any facilities. Here the top court has given him (Imran) all the facilities.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/supreme-court-of-pakistan-declares-ex-prime-minister-imran-khans-arrest-unlawful-591350">Supreme Court of Pakistan declares ex-prime minister Imran Khan's arrest unlawful</a></p>

<p>The comments of the minister were directed to the Supreme Court &amp; Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial.</p>

<p>Early on Thursday, Imran Khan's arrest was declared unlawful by the Supreme Court and he was ordered to be released. The court gave the order after CJP Bandial asked that the former prime minister be brought to the apex court 'within an hour'.</p>

<p>On May 9, Khan was arrested, after which massive protests erupted in the country and even abroad. The lawyers representing Khan had challenged the legality of his arrest.</p>

<p>The court also directed Khan to approach Islamabad High Court. Khan was arrested in connection with the Al Qadir Trust case.</p>

<p>The case is related to Al Qadir University. The trust was created to support the university. Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and other PTI leaders have been facing accusations of wrongdoing concerning the trust.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Imran Khan arrest: Pakistan Army says, 'country-wide chaos, a black chapter' | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>According to the case, Khan and a real estate magnate made an alleged agreement which cost the struggling economy of Pakistan around $50 billion.</p>

<p>The issue surfaced after Pakistani media stated that the trust received 180 million Pakistani rupees but documents showed expenses of only 8.52 million Pakistani rupees.</p>

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Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has said that if the current situation in the country persists, then there is a possibility of an emergency being declared.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has said that if the current situation in the country persists, then there is a possibility of an emergency being declared. The minister made the statement while speaking to WION's Pakistan correspondent Anas Mallick. When asked about the “rumours of an emergency situation in Pakistan”, the minister said, “If the situation continues like this, then emergency is a constitutional option, no chances of martial law in the country.” Questioning the Supreme Court's order to release Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, the minister stated, “Why are there two yardsticks in this country? The court should have taken suo motu on the army installations but it wasn't taken. Nawaz Sharif, Zardari, Maryam, me, none of us got any facilities. Here the top court has given him (Imran) all the facilities.” ALSO READ | Supreme Court of Pakistan declares ex-prime minister Imran Khan's arrest unlawful The comments of the minister were directed to the Supreme Court & Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial. Early on Thursday, Imran Khan's arrest was declared unlawful by the Supreme Court and he was ordered to be released. The court gave the order after CJP Bandial asked that the former prime minister be brought to the apex court 'within an hour'. On May 9, Khan was arrested, after which massive protests erupted in the country and even abroad. The lawyers representing Khan had challenged the legality of his arrest. The court also directed Khan to approach Islamabad High Court. Khan was arrested in connection with the Al Qadir Trust case. The case is related to Al Qadir University. The trust was created to support the university. Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and other PTI leaders have been facing accusations of wrongdoing concerning the trust. WATCH | Imran Khan arrest: Pakistan Army says, 'country-wide chaos, a black chapter' | World News | WION According to the case, Khan and a real estate magnate made an alleged agreement which cost the struggling economy of Pakistan around $50 billion. The issue surfaced after Pakistani media stated that the trust received 180 million Pakistani rupees but documents showed expenses of only 8.52 million Pakistani rupees. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Exclusive | Possibility of emergency in Pakistan, says Defence Minister Khwaja Asif

<p>Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan was on Friday granted two-week bail by Islamabad High Court in all lawsuits faced by him, including the Al-Qadir Trust case.</p>

<p>Khan was granted bail by a division bench comprising Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz in the Al-Qadir Trust case after the bail plea of the PTI chief was heard at courtroom No.2.</p>

<p>The court further stated that the authorities cannot arrest Khan in any case registered after May 9 till May 17.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bail was granted a day after Khan's arrest from the IHC premises was termed as “invalid and unlawful" by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The court has granted Imran Khan a two weeks interim bail and has directed the authorities not to arrest him in the (graft) case," said Khan's lawyer Khawaja Haris while speaking to reporters.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan's lawyer also said that a plea has been submitted by them for the handover of Khan's mobile phone and for providing&nbsp;bulletproof vehicles to the leader for his security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI lawyers gathered in large numbers in front of the court before the hearing and shouted "Khan your devotees are countless" and "the lawyers are alive", as the leader raised his fist above his head. However, the legal troubles for Khan don't seem to end soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/supreme-court-of-pakistan-declares-ex-prime-minister-imran-khans-arrest-unlawful-591350">Supreme Court of Pakistan declares ex-prime minister Imran Khan's arrest unlawful</a></p>

<p>Pakistan's interior minister has pledged to ensure that Khan is re-arrested. Since getting ousted from power in April 2022, Khan became tangled in multiple legal cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan was arrested in the Al-Qadir Trust case on Tuesday from the Islamabad High Court premises when he was just making a regular court appearance in the capital.</p>

<p>His sudden arrest was followed by two days of chaos as thousands of his supporters rampaged through cities in protest, blocking roads and setting buildings on fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the police and hospitals, at least nine people were killed in the unrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the wake of escalating tensions within the country over Khan's arrest, Islamabad Police on Friday tweeted, "Organised propaganda is being done against the law enforcement agencies under planning. Agitated protesters are present at several places with stones, slingshots, sticks and petrol bombs. The situation in Islamabad is peaceful and roads are open. Wherever the protesters tried to block the road, immediate action was taken."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Troops of the Pakistan Army are patrolling different highways. Citizens are requested to cooperate with the police in establishing public order. Rangers, Punjab Police, FC and Islamabad Police are there to maintain public order. Punjab Police has been present for assistance in previous appearances as well," it added. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Pakistan government: If released, we'll re-arrest Imran Khan</strong></p>

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<p>On Thursday, the arrest of Imran Khan was called “invalid and unlawful" by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial had stated that the arrest was unlawful because it happened inside the court premises, where Khan had reached with an intent to file a bail application.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Your arrest was invalid, so the whole process needs to be backtracked," he said to Khan.</p>

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Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan was on Friday granted two-week bail by Islamabad High Court in all lawsuits faced by him, including the Al-Qadir Trust case.

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan was on Friday granted two-week bail by Islamabad High Court in all lawsuits faced by him, including the Al-Qadir Trust case. Khan was granted bail by a division bench comprising Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz in the Al-Qadir Trust case after the bail plea of the PTI chief was heard at courtroom No.2. The court further stated that the authorities cannot arrest Khan in any case registered after May 9 till May 17. The bail was granted a day after Khan's arrest from the IHC premises was termed as “invalid and unlawful" by the Supreme Court. "The court has granted Imran Khan a two weeks interim bail and has directed the authorities not to arrest him in the (graft) case," said Khan's lawyer Khawaja Haris while speaking to reporters. Khan's lawyer also said that a plea has been submitted by them for the handover of Khan's mobile phone and for providing bulletproof vehicles to the leader for his security. PTI lawyers gathered in large numbers in front of the court before the hearing and shouted "Khan your devotees are countless" and "the lawyers are alive", as the leader raised his fist above his head. However, the legal troubles for Khan don't seem to end soon. ALSO READ | Supreme Court of Pakistan declares ex-prime minister Imran Khan's arrest unlawful Pakistan's interior minister has pledged to ensure that Khan is re-arrested. Since getting ousted from power in April 2022, Khan became tangled in multiple legal cases. Khan was arrested in the Al-Qadir Trust case on Tuesday from the Islamabad High Court premises when he was just making a regular court appearance in the capital. His sudden arrest was followed by two days of chaos as thousands of his supporters rampaged through cities in protest, blocking roads and setting buildings on fire. According to the police and hospitals, at least nine people were killed in the unrest. In the wake of escalating tensions within the country over Khan's arrest, Islamabad Police on Friday tweeted, "Organised propaganda is being done against the law enforcement agencies under planning. Agitated protesters are present at several places with stones, slingshots, sticks and petrol bombs. The situation in Islamabad is peaceful and roads are open. Wherever the protesters tried to block the road, immediate action was taken." "Troops of the Pakistan Army are patrolling different highways. Citizens are requested to cooperate with the police in establishing public order. Rangers, Punjab Police, FC and Islamabad Police are there to maintain public order. Punjab Police has been present for assistance in previous appearances as well," it added. WATCH | Pakistan government: If released, we'll re-arrest Imran Khan On Thursday, the arrest of Imran Khan was called “invalid and unlawful" by the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial had stated that the arrest was unlawful because it happened inside the court premises, where Khan had reached with an intent to file a bail application. "Your arrest was invalid, so the whole process needs to be backtracked," he said to Khan. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Islamabad High Court grants two-week bail to Imran Khan in all ongoing cases

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has labelled the "relief" provided to his predecessor Imran Khan by the courts as "double standards" in corruption cases and termed him a 'laadla' of courts. Responding to the&nbsp;Supreme Court's granting of relief to its "laadla" Imran Khan, Sharif said the "double standards&nbsp;have led to the death of justice in Pakistan".<br />
<br />
Pakistan's Supreme Court granted&nbsp;a major relief for Khan&nbsp;on Thursday when it declared his dramatic arrest "unlawful" and "invalid" and ordered his immediate release after he was produced before a bench on its orders.<br />
<br />
Sharif said that the apex court's relief was nothing but an NRO. He was referring to the infamous National Reconciliation Ordinance, which was used by past leaders to pardon their allies, before being outlawed by the top court itself.<br />
<br />
Addressing Pakistan's federal cabinet, Sharif referred to the arrests of PML-N [Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)] supremo Nawaz Sharif and other members of the federal coalition and asked why such&nbsp;leniency was not given to them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-says-hes-worried-they-will-pick-him-again-warns-of-same-reaction-if-arrested-again-591698">Imran Khan says he's worried 'they' will pick him again; warns of 'same reaction' if arrested again</a></strong></p>

<p>"No one spoke to Nawaz about injustices suffered by him."</p>

<p>Calling&nbsp;Imran Khan the "laadla," a crude reference that roughly translates to blue-eyed-boy, he said, "If you want to keep favouring this laadla then you should also release all the dacoits behind bars in the country."</p>

<p>"Let this be free for all," he said, adding that everyone will bear the consequences of whatever followed next.</p>

<p>Talking about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party workers' protests, he said they have disrespected the martyrs of Pakistan in a way that has never been done by "our enemies".</p>

<p>Lamenting the protests after Imran Khan's May 9 arrest, he said such scenes have not been witnessed in Pakistan since the fall of Dhaka in 1973.</p>

<p>"The attacks on army installations, there can be no greater terrorism in the country," he said. "And seeing all this, a country, I don’t want to take its name, was celebrating that what couldn’t happen in 75 years is now happening in Pakistan."</p>

<p>He said that even after the death of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the nation had erupted into protests but no one "moved towards military installations".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has labelled the "relief" provided to his predecessor Imran Khan by the courts as "double standards" in corruption cases and termed him a 'laadla' of courts.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has labelled the "relief" provided to his predecessor Imran Khan by the courts as "double standards" in corruption cases and termed him a 'laadla' of courts. Responding to the Supreme Court's granting of relief to its "laadla" Imran Khan, Sharif said the "double standards have led to the death of justice in Pakistan". Pakistan's Supreme Court granted a major relief for Khan on Thursday when it declared his dramatic arrest "unlawful" and "invalid" and ordered his immediate release after he was produced before a bench on its orders. Sharif said that the apex court's relief was nothing but an NRO. He was referring to the infamous National Reconciliation Ordinance, which was used by past leaders to pardon their allies, before being outlawed by the top court itself. Addressing Pakistan's federal cabinet, Sharif referred to the arrests of PML-N [Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)] supremo Nawaz Sharif and other members of the federal coalition and asked why such leniency was not given to them. Also read | Imran Khan says he's worried 'they' will pick him again; warns of 'same reaction' if arrested again "No one spoke to Nawaz about injustices suffered by him." Calling Imran Khan the "laadla," a crude reference that roughly translates to blue-eyed-boy, he said, "If you want to keep favouring this laadla then you should also release all the dacoits behind bars in the country." "Let this be free for all," he said, adding that everyone will bear the consequences of whatever followed next. Talking about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party workers' protests, he said they have disrespected the martyrs of Pakistan in a way that has never been done by "our enemies". Lamenting the protests after Imran Khan's May 9 arrest, he said such scenes have not been witnessed in Pakistan since the fall of Dhaka in 1973. "The attacks on army installations, there can be no greater terrorism in the country," he said. "And seeing all this, a country, I don’t want to take its name, was celebrating that what couldn’t happen in 75 years is now happening in Pakistan." He said that even after the death of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the nation had erupted into protests but no one "moved towards military installations". (With inputs from agencies) 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: Courts' relief to ‘laadla’ Imran exposes ‘double standards’, led to death of justice in Pak

Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, was granted two-week bail by the Islamabad High Court a few days after his detention on corruption-related accusations by an anti-graft organisation. Imran Khan's immediate release was ordered by the Supreme Court on Thursday, which deemed his arrest to be "unlawful" and "illegal." Khan's arrest sparked widespread protests across Pakistan, and as his fans went on the rampage and looted and destroyed government facilities, the police tightened their prohibitory orders. Following nearly 2,000 arrests and at least eight fatalities, the administration enlisted the army to assist in bringing the situation back under control.

Imran Khan arrest updates: Former Pakistan PM granted bail in Al-Qadir Trust case

The Islamabad High Court on Friday issued a stay order on indictment of former Pak PM and PTI Chief Imran Khan in Toshakhana corruption case. This comes a day after Pakistan's Supreme Court termed Khan's arrest as illegal and ordered his immediate release. Khan was indicted on Wednesday, a day after he was arrested in Al-Qadir Trust case.

Pakistan government: If released, we'll rearrest Imran Khan

<p>The Islamabad High Court, hearing multiple cases against Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, has stayed criminal proceedings initiated against the PTI chief in the Toshakhana case.</p>

<p>Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, in his verdict, said that the stay order will remain effective till the next hearing of the case on June 8.</p>

<p>The ruling came in response to Khan’s lawyers' petition against the order restraining the lower court from further proceedings.</p>

<p>The District and Sessions Court had on Wednesday indicted 70-year-old Khan&nbsp;in the Toshakhana corruption case.</p>

<p>He was accused of buying gifts, including an expensive Graff wristwatch, he received as the premier at a discounted price from the state depository called Toshakhana and selling them for profit.</p>

<p>The court acted after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had filed a complaint last year seeking proceedings under criminal law for not disclosing information pertaining to the&nbsp;gifts&nbsp;the former premier received during his time in office.</p>

<p>During Friday’s hearing, Khan’s lawyer Khawaja Haris argued that the complaint against his client was submitted by a district election commissioner and not by a competent authority. He added that the ECP did not submit a letter to appoint someone as competent authority, reports Geo News.</p>

<p>“Election Commission only asked its office to file a complaint. The complaint filed without the competent authority cannot be heard,” the lawyer said, adding that he’s relying on the documents provided with the record by the prosecution.</p>

<p>The court observed that the charges had been framed against Khan in the Toshakhana case, adding that he had not answered the questions of the court during the hearing.</p>

<p>The accused had also refused to sign the chargesheet, it said.</p>

<p>The court added that it was issuing notices to the prosecution witnesses for May 13, to record their statements</p>

<p>Established in 1974, under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division, the Toshakhana department stores precious gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, and officials by heads of other governments and states and foreign dignitaries.</p>

<p>The case was filed last year by the Election Commission of Pakistan and Imran Khan had skipped several hearings in the past months.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, another bench of the high court hearing a case related to Al-Qadir Trust granted bail for two weeks to Khan, a day after the Supreme Court&nbsp;termed&nbsp;his arrest from the IHC premises “invalid and unlawful”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Islamabad High Court, hearing multiple cases against Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, has stayed criminal proceedings initiated against the PTI chief in the Toshakhana case.

The Islamabad High Court, hearing multiple cases against Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, has stayed criminal proceedings initiated against the PTI chief in the Toshakhana case. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, in his verdict, said that the stay order will remain effective till the next hearing of the case on June 8. The ruling came in response to Khan’s lawyers' petition against the order restraining the lower court from further proceedings. The District and Sessions Court had on Wednesday indicted 70-year-old Khan in the Toshakhana corruption case. He was accused of buying gifts, including an expensive Graff wristwatch, he received as the premier at a discounted price from the state depository called Toshakhana and selling them for profit. The court acted after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had filed a complaint last year seeking proceedings under criminal law for not disclosing information pertaining to the gifts the former premier received during his time in office. During Friday’s hearing, Khan’s lawyer Khawaja Haris argued that the complaint against his client was submitted by a district election commissioner and not by a competent authority. He added that the ECP did not submit a letter to appoint someone as competent authority, reports Geo News. “Election Commission only asked its office to file a complaint. The complaint filed without the competent authority cannot be heard,” the lawyer said, adding that he’s relying on the documents provided with the record by the prosecution. The court observed that the charges had been framed against Khan in the Toshakhana case, adding that he had not answered the questions of the court during the hearing. The accused had also refused to sign the chargesheet, it said. The court added that it was issuing notices to the prosecution witnesses for May 13, to record their statements Established in 1974, under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division, the Toshakhana department stores precious gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, and officials by heads of other governments and states and foreign dignitaries. The case was filed last year by the Election Commission of Pakistan and Imran Khan had skipped several hearings in the past months. Meanwhile, another bench of the high court hearing a case related to Al-Qadir Trust granted bail for two weeks to Khan, a day after the Supreme Court termed his arrest from the IHC premises “invalid and unlawful”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan gets reprieve in Toshakhana case, court stays criminal proceedings

Islamabad high court stays on proceedings in Imran Khan's Toshakhana case

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