Imran Khan Arrest Updates: Protests Across Pakistan

Imran Khan Arrest Updates: In what can be a turning point in Pakistan's ongoing political scenario, former Prime Minister Imran Khan is all set to be arrested from his residence in Lahore. Imran Khan is facing corruption charges under Toshkhana Case.

What is Toshkhana Case, and what are the charges on Imran Khan?

Toshakhana - which translates to the house of treasure - is a Pakistan government department under the cabinet division. Created in 1974, it can keep the gifts given to Pakistani officials (only the president and prime minister are exempt from receiving such gifts). If a gift costs less than Rs 30,000 the president or prime minister can keep the gift for themselves. However, more expensive gifts must be kept in the Toshakhana by law.

Imran Khan is accused of keeping expensive gifts during his tenure as Prime Minister, and not handing them over to the Toshkhana department.

As per Pakistani media, Imran Khan can be arrested at any moment now from his residence in Lahore.

Follow All The Live Updates, Right From Lahore, on Imran Khan's Arrest Here

15 March 2023

01:22 IST

Protests Against Imran Khan's Arrest

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and supporters have taken control of Zaman Park in Lahore after the police, which earlier arrived to arrest former prime minister Imran Khan in the Toshakana case, withdrew from the Canal Road, ARY News reported on Tuesday. According to details provided by the Pakistani news channel, the police failed to arrest the PTI chief despite the passage of seven hours as PTI workers laid siege to the path leading to Imran Khan`s residence as well as Canal Road. Taking control of Zaman Park, the PTI workers, and supporters chanted slogans in favor of Imran Khan.

Similar protests have broken out in many other cities too.

18:23 IST

Imran Khan's video message Imran Khan appealed to his countrymen to stand resolute and fight for ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’ and rule of law as police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse his supporters gathered outside his residence in Lahore to prevent his arrest in the Toshakhana case. Khan took to Twitter and posted a video message, “My message to the nation to stand resolute and fight for Haqeeqi Azadi & rule of law.” His video message came as TV footage showed police slowly approaching the Zaman Park residence of Khan behind an armoured vehicle that was dispersing his supporters with a water cannon.

My message to the nation to stand resolute and fight for Haqeeqi Azadi & rule of law. pic.twitter.com/bgVuOjsmHG

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 14, 2023

18:01 IST

Now they are directing tear gas inside Khan's house. Total fascism by a bloodthirsty fascist govt and State. pic.twitter.com/SVMxd8nQfv

— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) March 14, 2023

18:01 IST

Maryam Nawaz says Imran Khan to be held responsible if any police officer or personnel is injured.

18:01 IST

Fawad Chaudhry says arrest warrants have been challenged in the IHC

17:55 IST

PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi says Imran Khan not present at Zaman Park. Earlier, he had said Khan is present there. Qureshi calls on police to show him the arrest warrant so that he can discuss it with PTI chief.

16:36 IST

Police uses water canons on PTI workers

Islamabad police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse PTI workers gathered outside party chief Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence in Lahore.

16:24 IST

2nd Attempt To Arrest Imran Khan

Khan has heavily criticised the state institutions after a botched attempt by police to arrest him from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore earlier this month. According to Khan, he was facing at least 80 different cases in various courts across Pakistan.

16:21 IST

Warrant Suspended in judge threatening case, but Toshkhana warrant still valid

An Islamabad court on Tuesday suspended till March 16 a non-bailable arrest warrant against former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan for threatening a woman magistrate while addressing a public gathering here last year. The Islamabad district and sessions court on Monday issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Khan for using threatening language against Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry and the Islamabad police officials.

16:21 IST

Armoured police vehicle outside Imran Khan's house

As per Pakistani media, armoured police vehicles have arrived outside PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence. Photos and videos of huge number of police officials have surfaced online.