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15-03-2023
By SJA Jafri + Bureau Report
LAHORE/ ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI: Supporters of Pakistan’s main opposition leader Imran Khan have clashed with police outside his home as officers try to arrest him.
Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the supporters, who threw stones and bricks.
There is a tense situation outside the compound, in the city of Lahore, as police try to force their way in.
He is facing allegations he sold state gifts while in office. He says the case is politically motivated.
Police have made previous attempts to arrest him, but Khan, 70, told the BBC he thought they were determined to put him behind bars this time.
“I’m mentally prepared that I’m going to be spending my night in a cell,” he said. “I don’t know how many nights, but I’m all prepared for that.”
The former prime minister appeared in front of what he said were tear gas canisters, which he said had been fired into his property.
He said the authorities were trying to arrest him to stop his party from taking part in forthcoming elections but he added: “Whether I am in jail or not they will not be able to stop my party winning.”
Government minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the move had nothing to do with elections and police were only complying with court orders to arrest him in corruption cases.
Khan’s supporters are also holding protests in other cities.
He was ousted as prime minister last April but has kept up pressure on his successor Shehbaz Sharif with demonstrations and speeches calling for elections due later this year to be held early.
He blames Sharif for an assassination attempt at a rally in November in which he was wounded in the leg.
Tensions have flared across Pakistan after police arrived outside the home of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Lahore to arrest him for failing to appear in court on Monday over corruption charges.
