Imran Khan arrested: PTI calls for protest gathering in Islamabad
What's the story
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called on its supporters to gather at the Islamabad Judicial Complex in Pakistan at 8:00am on Wednesday to protest against the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. PTI senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry said the party will move the Supreme Court on Wednesday against the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) decision, which upheld Khan's arrest.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Khan was arrested on Tuesday amid heavy security in the alleged Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. He allegedly evaded arrest for several months by leading large-scale protest marches against the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) government and the army. The PML(N) government is being accused of getting Khan arrested as he was posing a challenge to it.
Twitter Post
Khan's supporters protested outside Nawaz Sharif's house in London
Imran Khan protest goes global - A large number of Pakistanis are protesting Imran Khan’s arrest in front of Nawaz Sharif’s house in London. pic.twitter.com/34V68Ak46G
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) May 9, 2023
Statement
Khan's arrest without deciding on bail 'illegal': PTI leader
Widespread protests are being organized across Pakistan against Khan's arrest, who is seen as a force for political change in the country. Chaudhry called the IHC's decision "surprising" and "illegal" after it declared Khan's arrest legal without deciding on his bail on Tuesday. Reportedly, Khan was arrested on a warrant by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Details
PML(N) leaders discussing Bushra Bibi's arrest: Reports
Notably, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, who upheld Khan's arrest, earlier questioned the Rangers' move to arrest Khan from the court premises. Per reports, the PML(N) top brass are also discussing the arrest of Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, who is an accused in the case, along with other leaders from the PTI. Khan is facing over 100 cases of corruption, treason, and inciting violence.
Case
What is the Al-Qadir Trust case about?
The NAB alleges that Khan, Bibi, and other PTI leaders received PKR 5 billion and vast swathes of land from Bahria Town, an Islamabad-based real-estate company, for protection in a money laundering case. The land was a "donation" to the Al-Qadir Trust, which had two trustees—Khan and Bibi. The "settlement" allegedly caused a loss of PKR 50 billion ($240 million) to the national exchequer.