Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan posted a defiant video message Tuesday evening as determined supporters and police intent on arresting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chief over corruption charges squared off at his Lahore home. The popular leader called on his backers to continue to challenge the ruling party of prime minister Shehbaz Sharif even if were to be jailed.
“The police have arrived to arrest me. They think that if Imran Khan goes to jail, the people will go to sleep. You have to prove them wrong, you have to prove that the qaum (people) is alive.”
“You have to fight for your rights, you have to hit the streets. God has given Imran Khan everything. I am fighting your battle. I have fought all my life and will continue to do so. But if something happens to me, they put me in jail or kill me, you have to prove that you can fight even without Imran Khan.”
“You have to prove that you will never accept this slavery and this rule by one man. Pakistan zindabad,” Khan said in a video statement posted on Twitter.
Visuals circulated on social media showed a war zone-like situation in and outside the residential compound with police firing tear gas and water cannons.
Khan’s supporters – several of whom had covered their faces with pieces of cloth to protect against the tear gas – threw stones at and injured some policemen, news agency PTI reported.
“They are shelling Imran Khan’s house too… a leader who requested everyone to stay peaceful and patient. Democracy seems to be suspended…” PTI tweeted.
PTI deputy chief Shah Mahmood Qureshi demanded to see the warrant for his boss’ arrest; “Show me the warrant. I will first read and understand it. Then, I will speak to Imran Khan and my lawyers.”
READ | Imran Khan arrest: Pak police fire tear gas at PTI chief’s Lahore house
According to reports, Islamabad Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Shahzad Bukhari, who was leading the police team, was injured. He was seen walking with the help of two officials. Both Khan’s supporters and policemen were injured in the clashes.
Khan, who guided Pakistan to victory in the 1992 cricket World Cup – is accused of buying gifts received as the prime minister – at a discounted price – from the state depository, which is called the ‘Toshakhana’ and selling them for profit.
With input from agencies
