Pakistan Latest News: Massive clashes are being reported from Lahore as cops reached the residence of former PM Imran Khan to arrest him in the evening. A Reuters report says that several people have been injured. Those who have sustained injuries include people from Imran Khan;s party as well as local administration. A chopper was seen hovering over Khan’s house. A Geo TV report says that internet has been disconnected in the area.
Here are latest updates from Pakistan:
As of now, the standoff at Zaman Park residence of Imran Khan continues. A Geo News report says that as many as 15 policemen have been injured in the violent clashes in Lahore. There are also reports coming in that several PTI workers have also been arrested. But as far as Imran Khan is concerned, he still a free man and has not been arrested so far.
Even as more and more cities report protests by Imran Khan supoorters, the top leadership in Pakistan has expressed concern over today's events. In a tweet, Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi termed the violent clashes as 'unhealthy revenge politics' "I am deeply saddened by today's events. Unhealthy revenge politics. Poor priorities of govt of a country that should focus on economic misery of the people. Are we destroying political landscape? Am concerned about safety & dignity of @ImranKhanPTI like that of all politicians (sic)," he said in a tweet.
Nawaz Sharif says that Imran Khan is doing all this due to fear of the arrest. In a tweet, Sharif said that 'if there was a person full of bravery and honor in his place, he would have drowned in shame.'
From Peshawar to Karachi to Islamabad, reports of protests are trickling in as the situation worsens in Lahore. Imran Khan's supporters have taken to streets and protesting against the government.
Even as the area around Zaman Park appears to be a war zone, Imran Khan is addressing the international media. He is showing the tear gas shells that were used to attack his house.
Latest reports from Lahore say that Shahzad Bukhari, Islamabad Deputy Inspector General (Operations), who was leading the police team that has gone to arrest Imran Khan was injured in the clashes.
Earlier in the evening, Imran Khan posted a video via his official Twitter handle asking his supporters to continue the protests even if he is 'killed' or put behind the bars.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah told a gathering today that Imran Khan will be arrested today itself. He will be presented in the court, Sanaullah reportedly said.