Imran Khan's arrest likely to generate political unrest in Pakistan

New Delhi: The former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has been arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) from the Islamabad High Court (IHC), as reported by Geo News on Tuesday.

The PTI chairman was taken into custody by Rangers personnel about the Al-Qadir Trust case, while he was at the IHC to seek bail in multiple FIRs registered against him.

The former Prime Minister was taken away in a black Vigo by the law enforcement agency, and Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Islamabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan has confirmed that the situation is under control.

Geo News reported that Khan was heading for biometric registration at the IHC when he was apprehended by the NAB officials, who had arrest warrants.

In response to Khan's arrest, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq took notice of the matter and summoned the Islamabad IG and the interior secretary within "15 minutes". He also directed the additional attorney general to appear before the court in the same time frame and instructed him to immediately determine who was behind the arrest. The chief justice made it clear that if an inquiry had to be conducted, action would also be taken against the prime minister and ministers.

Further questioning the circumstances surrounding Khan's arrest, Justice Farooq asked, "Tell us in which case the arrest was made?"

The Islamabad advocate general then requested that the court extend the 15-minute deadline to half an hour; however, the request was denied, and he was ordered to appear in 15 minutes.

This sudden development is likely to generate significant political unrest in the country, given the highly polarized political landscape of Pakistan. Khan's supporters are expected to take to the streets in protest, while his opponents are likely to celebrate his downfall. The matter will undoubtedly be closely watched by both domestic and international observers, as it has significant implications for the country's political stability and the rule of law.

Following the arrest, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) accused Pakistani rangers of abducting their chairman.

Rangers abducted PTI Chairman Imran Khan, these are the visuals. Pakistan’s brave people must come out and defend their country, PTI said in a tweet sharing the video of Khan’s arrest.

Rangers abducted PTI Chairman Imran Khan, these are the visuals. Pakistan’s brave people must come out and defend their country. pic.twitter.com/hJwG42hsE4

— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 9, 2023