Media reports claim that PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan may be arrested today following his expected appearance at the Lahore High Court (LHC) for a hearing on his bail application in a case pertaining to protests outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
According to the details in the media, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has decided to arrest Imran Khan in the prohibited funding case and a summary of the matter has been sent to DG FIA. A four-member team has been constituted as well. The Lahore police will assist the FIA team during the arrest of Imran Khan who will then be handed over to FIA Islamabad team.
Imran Khan was supposed to be arrested earlier, however, the presence of PTI workers at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore prevented the police from taking any action due to fears of public retaliation.
Read more: Hundreds of PTI workers gather at Zaman Park to resist Imran Khan’s arrest bid
Therefore, the police, along with the FIA team, may arrest Imran Khan during his in-person court appearance today. A strategy has already been devised between the Lahore police and FIA team over the matter. The FIA also consulted lawyers’ organizations so that the matter might go peacefully.
عمران خان کو گرفتار کرنے کا فیصلہ#ARYNews pic.twitter.com/7mkBJ5LPIA
— ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) February 20, 2023
ایف ائی اے کا عمران خان کو گرفتار کرنے کا فیصلہ
وزارت داخلہ نے FIA کی چار رکنی کمیٹی تشکیل دیدی#BOLNews #ImranKhan pic.twitter.com/GpohKkhuhP— BOL Network (@BOLNETWORK) February 20, 2023
BOL/ARY reporting that FIA has decided to arrest Imran Khan today. pic.twitter.com/iAvHz8tHw3
— Hamza Azhar Salam (@HamzaAzhrSalam) February 20, 2023
یہ غلطی نا کرنا ورنہ اس کے نتائج بہت برے بھگتنے ہونگے تم لوگوں کو۔@ImranKhanPTI #ActiveInsafians pic.twitter.com/baAtbFgAVi
— Fauzia Siddiqui ᴬᶜᵗᶦᵛᵉᴵⁿˢᵃᶠᶦᵃⁿˢ (@fauzisidd) February 20, 2023
The LHC had earlier disposed of Imran Khan’s plea seeking protective bail after he failed to appear, citing his leg injury as his doctors barred him from traveling. Amid rumors about his arrest, the former prime minister decided to appear before the court later.
Ahead of today’s hearing, a large contingent of police personnel was deployed at the main gate of the LHC. Imran Khan’s legal team also arrived at the court to review the security arrangements.
Earlier today, the LHC dismissed Imran Khan’s request to allow his vehicle inside the court premises. PTI chief’s legal team would again consult with Imran Khan on the matter of appearance before the court.
Read more: Ready to go to jail: Imran Khan challenges govt to arrest him