Pakistani police indict ex-PM Khan on terrorism charges

Police in the Pakistani capital have charged former Prime Minister Imran Khan, 17 aides and numerous supporters with terrorism and other crimes.

Sunday’s indictment comes in the background of clashes between Khan’s supporters and security forces in Islamabad the day before.

On Saturday, Khan’s followers clashed with police outside a courthouse as the former prime minister appeared in a corruption case. Riot police brandished batons and fired tear gas, while Khan’s supporters threw stones at officers.

More than 50 police officers were injured, a checkpoint, several cars and motorcycles were set on fire, police said, adding that 59 of Khan’s supporters were arrested during the clashes.

The lawsuit against Khan was filed by the Pakistan Electoral Commission, alleging that the former prime minister failed to report gifts he received while in office and the profits he made from selling them.

After days of legal battles, Khan traveled more than 300 kilometers from Lahore to a court in Islamabad and was unable to get out of his car. About 4,000 supporters gathered outside the complex and threw stones and bricks at the police firing tear gas.

However, the court did allow Khan to attend, his attorney said.

Pakistani courts are often used to hold lawmakers in lengthy lawsuits that the Observatory for Human Rights accuses of stifling political dissent.

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lawsuits against other party members

Besides Khan, the lawsuit filed on Sunday accuses former and current lawmakers, former cabinet ministers, former parliamentary speaker and numerous Khan supporters.

Charges include acts of terrorism, obstructing a police officer in the performance of his duties, assaulting a police officer, injuring a police officer, and threatening life.

The developments are the latest to include increased violence surrounding 70-year-old Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in parliament last April.

The former cricket star-turned-politician has since claimed, without providing any evidence, that his expulsion was illegal and a conspiracy by his successor Shabazz Sharif and Washington’s government. There is

Sharif and the US deny the allegations.

Also on Saturday, outside Khan’s home in the eastern city of Lahore, police and Khan’s supporters clashed in standoffs for two straight days earlier this week after police arrived in a posh neighborhood to arrest Khan. Violence broke out again.

Amid tear gas and clashes, police raided Khan’s residence and later arrested 61 suspects.

After admitting Khan, the judge postponed the hearing until March 30.

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Clashes continue in Pakistan as police try to arrest former prime minister Imran Khan

Source: TRTWorld and institutions