Police are continuing to use tear gas and water cannons to push back supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf who gathered near the residence of party chief Imran Khan in the Punjab capital to block his arrest.
After ongoing violent clashes near Zaman Park, Islamabad police and the anti-riot force are engaged in a day-long standoff with PTI activists as they approach in a desperate attempt to arrest the populist leader who resisted surrendering until Wednesday morning.
His supporters braved heavy tear gas and powerful water cannons and even threw stones at the police party while the daring leader dodged arrest. In order to prevent the terrible situation on Tuesday, Rangers men arrived on the spot as the capital force and Punjab police were compelled to leave.
The former premier has meanwhile urged his supporters to keep up the fight for the rule of law, make sure they do it no matter what and take to the streets. EX PM Imran Khan stated that “the fight for Haqeeqi Azadi must continue” if he was arrested or killed.
In his recent interview, the PTI chief told international media that officials are acting outside the law. Imran said there was no reason for cops to arrest him as he had taken protective bail. The populist leader however maintained that he is mentally prepared for going to jail.
The PTI leader claimed that the ruling coalition will be powerless to prevent his party from winning the upcoming elections, regardless of whether he is imprisoned or not.
Charged members of the former ruling party have also organized demonstrations in significant cities like Quetta, Peshawar, and Karachi.
The recent clashes stemmed from Khan’s negligent behavior as he avoided appearances before the court since last year when he suffered a gun attack at a protest rally and continued rhetoric that he was not fit to travel from Lahore to Islamabad and face security threats.
