Local media have reported that Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, has been detained.
Mr. Khan reportedly appeared in court in Islamabad on accusations of corruption.
The 72-year-old was removed from office last year and has since devoted his time to campaigning against his successor.
Imran Khan, who was present at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for two hearings on Tuesday afternoon, was detained in the Al-Qadir Trust case in a shocking turn of events.
The Islamabad police said IG Akbar Nasir Khan had arrested Imran for the offence.
Additionally, the police superintendent stated that the situation in Islamabad was “normal,” adding that Section 144 had been imposed in the city and that those who violated it would be punished.
PTI attorney Faisal Chaudhry confirmed Imran’s arrest, prompting IHC superintendent Justice Aamer Farooq to order the Islamabad police superintendent, the interior ministry secretary, and the additional attorney general to appear in court within 15 minutes.
The chief justice of the IHC stated that he was exercising “restraint” and threatened to “summon” the prime minister if the Islamabad police superintendent failed to appear in court.
“Come to court and explain why Imran was arrested and in what capacity,” said Justice Farooq.
A Reuters witness reported that shortly after Imran entered the IHC’s entrance, paramilitary forces and armored personnel carriers followed.
According to the witness, Khan was taken away by armoured vehicles after the gate was sealed.
The development follows the military’s rejection of Imran’s accusations against DG-C Major General Faisal Naseer. Imran had accused the officer of participating in the attempted assassination of him in Wazirabad. Today, Imran amplified the allegations in a video message.
The detention of the former premier also follows several failed attempts to apprehend him, including a police raid on his residence in Lahore’s Zaman Park, which he managed to evade.
“Imran was kidnapped and dozens were tortured”
PTI vice president Fawad Chaudhry tweeted that the IHC was “occupied by Rangers” and counsel was being tortured.
“Imran Khan’s car has been surrounded,” he continued.
Fawad alleged in another tweet that Imran had been “kidnapped” from the courthouse while a large number of lawyers and general citizens had been “tortured.”
“Imran Khan has been whisked away by unknown people to an unknown location,” he stated.
Hammad Azhar, PTI leader, called Imran’s imprisonment “unacceptable” and that the PTI chief “is our red line.” He urged the nation to protest Imran’s detention by taking to the streets.
Shafqat Mahmood of the PTI vehemently condemned Imran’s detention, claiming that the PTI leader was also “mistreated and mishandled.”
“This is the height of fascism and is inadmissible. “The rule of law in the nation has ended,” he said.
Azhar Mashwani of the PTI claimed that Rangers “abducted” Imran from the courtroom. He stated that the party had issued an immediate appeal for nationwide protests.
In a video message posted to Twitter, PTI leader Musarrat Cheema stated, “They are tormenting Imran Khan right now […] they are beating Khan saab. They have taken action against Khan Saab.”
