In a recent press conference, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah cautioned that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan could face arrest if found to be involved in the recent wave of violent protests across the country. Minister Sanaullah stated that a consistent group of 100-200 individuals engaged in violent activities during PTI protests, implying that they had received training from Imran Khan himself. The minister further claimed that these individuals had undergone eight months of training, instructed to target specific locations and cause destruction. The government asserted that concrete evidence would be presented in a court of law.
Following Imran Khan’s arrest within the premises of the Islamabad High Court, violent protests erupted nationwide, with demonstrators attacking army properties and raising anti-army slogans. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) condemned these actions, highlighting how such miscreants exploit national sentiments for personal gains while deceitfully emphasizing the importance of the army.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif labeled the ongoing PTI-led protests as “unforgivable crimes” and acts of terrorism, warning that strict actions would be taken against those involved in vandalizing public properties and state installations. The government’s concerns escalated as reports from intelligence agencies indicated that the planned Supreme Court protest by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) could potentially incite further unrest. Due to specific decisions made by a three-member bench, the government had observed rising anger toward the apex court among the public. To avoid chaos, the government urged PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to relocate the protest outside the Red Zone, citing difficulty in controlling the situation otherwise.
Furthermore, Minister Sanaullah implied that if Imran Khan were found to be associated with the recent protests, he could face arrest once again. Highlighting the consistency of a select group of individuals engaged in violent activities during PTI protests, the minister claimed that this indicated training provided by Imran Khan himself. Referring to these individuals as terrorists, he alleged that they had undergone an eight-month training program specifically instructing them to ignite targeted locations.
In response to the perceived favorable treatment received by Imran Khan from the judiciary, PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced the alliance’s decision to protest outside the Supreme Court until Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial resigned. This sit-in would coincide with the hearing of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s plea to reconsider the decision to hold elections for the Punjab Assembly on May 14.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah’s warning of potential arrest for Imran Khan, if found involved in the violent protests, underscores the government’s determination to maintain law and order. The ongoing political turmoil, with allegations of training and terrorism, has further heightened tensions in the country. As PDM continues to voice its grievances outside the apex court, the nation awaits the resolution of these escalating issues.