On May 9, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and the chairman of the opposition party "Movement for Justice" (MFJ), Imran Khan was arrested by authorities on Tuesday from inside the Islamabad High Court, where he had arrived to attend two hearings in separate cases.
He was taken into custody as part of the court's consideration of the case of misappropriation of funds of the Al Qadir Trust fund and became the first prime minister in the history of Pakistan to be removed from power through a vote of no confidence in the parliament.
In his statement for EDnews, independent journalist Ahmel Jadun told what effect the arrest of Imran Khan could have on the political situation in Pakistan.
- Imran Khan has been involved in politics for many years and won popularity in all walks of life. After a vote of no confidence in him, according to Gallup polls, he became the most popular leader in the history of the country. The way protests broke out across the country after Khan's arrest shows that it will have serious social and political consequences. The protests clearly reflect the public's attitude towards the ex-premier. The current government should take wise steps to reassure people and ensure stability.
- What steps are being taken at the moment to resolve the conflict with the protesters who took to the streets after Khan's arrest?
- Lead his party Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) exercised its legal right and announced a nationwide protest. Members of PTI thus supported their leader. After that, ignoring the call of the top leadership to preserve peace, Khan's supporters clashed with the police, and many state and private objects in Lahore and Rawalpindi were vandalized. Many protesters are currently detained.
- How do you think forceful methods of suppressing protests can lead?
- Such repressions may exacerbate the problem and lead to a serious situation with law enforcement. The government and PTI started a dialogue to reach a consensus on the announcement of general elections (in all provinces), but they could not reach a consensus.
I believe that the government should find a peaceful solution to the situation and resume dialogue with the PTI in connection with the date of the elections in order to resolve this conflict. In turn, Imran Khan himself should call on the leadership of PTI to convince their supporters to protest in a peaceful, legal manner.
- What is the reaction of the international community to the arrest of Imran Khan and the protests in Pakistan?
- The arrest of Imran Khan received wide coverage in the international media. The international community, including the diplomats of the United States and Great Britain, call on Pakistan to uphold the rule of law. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, during his two-day visit, also expressed hope that the political forces will reach a consensus.
Unfortunately, such political upheavals were predictable, since the steps taken by PTI contributed to the fact that an acute economic crisis broke out in Pakistan.
Ulviyya Shahin
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