Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has returned to his residence in Lahore’s Zaman Park in the wake of the storm of events that have taken place over the past few days since his arrest on May 9.
During his visit to Lahore, the former prime minister revealed that the Inspector General of Police, Islamabad, tried hard to stop him from going to Lahore. For three hours, he kept her waiting, claiming it was too dangerous to get out.
“By convincing him that we would inform the entire Pakistani nation of his abduction and forcible detention, we were able to secure our release,” Khan said. “Under pressure, he finally allowed our departure,” he added.
“After finally leaving, we discovered that the roads were clear of any traffic and that there was no danger,” he remarked.
His arrest earlier this week on corruption charges led to violent clashes, but the Supreme Court of Pakistan later ruled the arrest illegal – a decision that leaders of the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition protested. Criticized.
Earlier in the week, Khan took a road trip to his Lahore residence, marking a comeback after a tumultuous period. Earlier, he appeared before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) premises where he was granted bail.
The High Court granted him a two-week bail, offering him protection from arrest in any other case until Monday, including charges related to the violent riots that erupted after his initial detention.
Bail was granted in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case and the court ordered authorities to refrain from arresting Khan in any new case till May 17. Moreover, he got bail till May 22 in the Zuli Shah murder case, while another bench stayed his arrest till May 15 in three terrorism cases.
Imran Khan has faced several legal charges since he was removed from power by a no-confidence vote in parliament in April last year. Since then, he has launched a defection campaign against the military, accusing the current coalition government of colluding with top generals to remove him. He has also made explosive claims, alleging that he was involved in an assassination attack in November where he was shot in the leg while campaigning in Wazirabad.
After being granted bail, Khan remained in the IHC premises for several hours, awaiting a written order to avoid possible re-arrest by the police upon his departure. However, a police officer informed them that higher authorities had issued orders not to allow them to go out of the IHC building. Frustrated with the situation, Khan threatened to announce his next course of action if the roads to Islamabad were not opened within 15 minutes. Thankfully, senior police officers intervened and resolved the standoff, allowing Khan to finally leave the court premises.
Imran Khan’s arrest at the IHC on May 9 sparked violent protests across the country. However, the Supreme Court intervened and declared his arrest null and void and ordered his release. Taking advantage of this decision, Khan sought bail in several cases against him at the IHC, and got a favorable outcome.
Intermittent aerial firing
Meanwhile, aerial firing continued intermittently around the IHC premises, prompting officials to put security on high alert. Islamabad Police spokesman says that no one was injured as a result of the firing.
He said that all police personnel are safe and search teams are investigating the matter.
Islamabad Police also heard gunshots at H-11 on Srinagar Highway. Apart from this, gunshots were also heard in G-10 near IHC.
The spokesman said that the policemen came under fire in G11 and G13 areas. Firing also took place in the slum near Islamic University.
Police sources cited intermittent aerial firing as the reason for confining Khan to the IHC grounds.
