The Pakistani police have stormed the home of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. According to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, "the raid was violent in its worst scenes." Officials from Khan's political party confirmed that the police entered his house in Lahore today, Saturday, while he was appearing in court in the capital, Islamabad. Khan tweeted that his wife was at home during the raid. In an exclusive interview with Reuters hours before his court appearance, which issued arrest warrants for him, he stated that "the reactions to his arrest or attempted killing will be strong and nationwide." He added, "My life is more threatened than before."
The former cricket legend has led nationwide protests after being ousted from power last year and faces numerous legal cases. The police attempted to arrest him on Tuesday but without success, leading to violent clashes with his party members. Khan (70) mentioned in an interview at his home in Lahore before heading to Islamabad early on Saturday that he had formed a committee to lead his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, in case he was arrested. He indicated that he is facing 94 cases.
Khan, who was injured by a bullet during a campaign rally last November, said that his political opponents and the military want to prevent him from contesting the elections scheduled for later this year, although he provided no evidence for this claim. Neither the military nor the government responded to requests for comments. The government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has denied that it is behind the cases against Khan. The military, which has played a significant role in Pakistan, having governed for nearly half of its 75-year history, stated that it remains neutral regarding politics.
Khan argued that there is no reason for his detention now, given his release on bail in all cases. If convicted in any of these cases, a ruling could bar him from running in the elections scheduled for November. He added, "The establishment sees me as a threat right now in some way. That is the problem." Khan remarked, "I believe those who are trying this are unable to grasp the situation. Unfortunately, the mindset thinking about either killing or imprisoning me does not realize the state Pakistan has reached now."
He mentioned that the army played a role in his ouster due to worsening relations with the former army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who has retired. He added that the new chief, General Asim Munir, is following the same policy. Khan previously denied the accusations he leveled at the army, stating, "As you know, the army has played a role throughout our history over the last 70 to 75 years. But this role needs to be balanced now. You need to create this balance now because the previous balance is no longer viable."
The police's attempt to arrest Khan last week led to clashes in which dozens were injured. Khan has garnered popular support among Pakistanis amid soaring inflation at its highest rates in decades and an economic slowdown that has caused paralysis as the country undertakes painful financial reforms to avoid defaulting on its debts. Thousands participate every time he calls for protests.
