Emphasizing the rule of law in the light of the current political situation in the country, the United States and the United Kingdom have demanded a democratic response to the protests against the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.
Imran Khan was detained on Tuesday from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), where he was granted bail in several cases filed against him, ranging from terrorism to money laundering.
“Authorities [in Pakistan] must also respond in accordance with rights and democratic principles,” said a US State Department spokesperson, urging supporters of the former prime minister to protest peacefully.
All protesters are urged to express their concerns peacefully, the spokesperson said in response to JEE News’ request for comment on Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
He said the State Department was aware of the arrest but “the United States has no position” regarding any specific political candidate or party.
“We demand respect for democratic values and the rule of law throughout the world,” the spokesperson added.
UK wants to see peaceful democracy in Pakistan.
On the other hand, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverley said that his country wants to see “peaceful democracy” in Pakistan. This statement came during his visit to America
“We want to see a peaceful democracy in this country. We want to see the rule of law upheld,” the official said.
When asked about the former prime minister’s arrest, Chalaki said:
“I am reluctant to speculate further on this without a detailed briefing.”
Arrest of Imran Khan
On Tuesday, the PTI chairman was arrested as part of the NAB probe in the Al-Qadir Trust case, before appearing before the IHC seeking bail in several FIRs registered against him.
Rangers personnel driving a black Toyota Hilux Vigo took Imran Khan to NAB Rawalpindi.
It seems that Khan got wind of his arrest hours earlier when, before going to court, the PTI chief said: “If anyone has a warrant, bring it directly to me. Bring the warrant, my lawyer.” Will be present. I am ready to go to jail myself.
Khan’s dramatic arrest, in which paramilitary forces had to break down several doors, jump through broken windows, and scramble with PTI supporters and lawyers to legally reach the embattled politician, went viral across the country. The protest was fueled.
According to JEE News, the PTI chairman was in the biometric verification department of the IHC when he was nabbed by paramilitary personnel. NAB officials had arrest warrants which were issued by Chairman NAB Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmed Butt on May 1.
