LAHORE: Police released Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan’s Zaman Park mansion after a thorough search of materials used to fight riot police, allegedly resorting to violence and 40 party colleagues were detained for obstructing the law.
Hours after Khan hit the road to attend the hearing of the Tosha Khana case in the capital, the Punjab police barged into his residence.
Police and PTI supporters recently clashed outside the former prime minister’s house in Lahore, injuring several people on both sides when the former prime minister tried to arrest Khan.
However, an operation was launched at Imran Khan’s residence this morning by the police to clear the area of ‘security camps’ set up by the party.
“Section 144 is in force, you are advised to disperse,” the police said in an announcement before storming Imran Khan’s residence.
Television footage showed police entering Khan’s eight-kanal home using an excavator to pull down the house’s central iron gate. Several PTI workers were also detained.
Law enforcement agencies also claimed they were targeted and fired with Molotov cocktails from inside Khan’s home.
After the agreement was reached between the administration and PTI regarding the search in Zaman Park on Friday, heavy police force was deployed in the area.
The anti-terrorism court allowed the search inside Imran Khan’s residence. “The search warrant is issued under Section 47 Cr.P.C and the In-charge Investigation/Investigating Officer is directed not to accompany a woman police officer below the rank of Inspector during the search of the house as required by law. “
During the search operation, the police recovered materials used to make Molotov cocktails.
‘Bushra Begum is alone’
Condemning the police action, PTI chief Imran Khan said that the police attacked my house in Zaman Park where Bushra Begum was alone.
“Under what law are they doing this?” he asked.
Meanwhile Punjab police have led an assault on my house in Zaman Park where Bushra Begum is alone. Under what law are they doing this? This is part of London Plan where commitments were made to bring absconder Nawaz Sharif to power as quid pro quo for agreeing to one appointment.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 18, 2023
Khan insisted it was part of the “London Plan” where promises were made to bring fugitive Nawaz Sharif to power to agree to a meeting.
چیئرمین عمران خان کا خصوصی بیان۔
— PTI (@PTIofficial) March 18, 2023
#چلو_چلو_عمران_کے_ساتھ pic.twitter.com/8c0l0aC5eC
‘Action taken against miscreants’
Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Aamir Mir said that Molotov cocktails were thrown at the police and an operation has been launched against the elements involved in violent activities.
“The no-go areas are being removed. The police action will be over in an hour,” Mir added.
PTI-govt agreement
The police had entered into an agreement with the PTI – which was submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) – in which the two sides agreed to terms on holding rallies, security of the PTI chief and other legal matters. The final shape was given.
According to the details, PTI will cooperate with the administration for execution of arrest warrant and search warrant.
PTI has nominated Senator Shibli Faraz and former Minister of State Ali Muhammad Khan as focal persons while SSP Imran Kishor will represent the police for communication. PTI will cooperate with the police to investigate the cases registered on the clashes on March 14 and 15.
It has also been decided that PTI will hold a public meeting on Monday instead of Sunday while contacting the administration for permission. Tehreek-e-Insaf will also inform the administration five days before the rally.
The government will implement the guidelines for the security of the PTI chief and submit the request for party security to the authorities concerned.
