PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has thanked the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) for condemning the use of force by the law enforcement agencies at Zaman Park.
Taking to Twitter, the former Prime Minister appreciated the detailed statement released by SCBAP and thanked them for upholding the Constitution and rule of law.
“I want to thank the SCBAP for their strong position on upholding of Constitution & rule of law. We appreciate your condemnation of the excessive use of force by authorities at Zaman Park. My Party was founded on the principle of rule of law and we continue to stand by this commitment,” Imran Khan said.
I want to thank the SCBAP for their strong position on upholding of Constitution & rule of law. We appreciate your condemnation of excessive use of force by authorities at Zaman Park. My Party was founded on principle of rule of law & we continue to stand by this commitment. pic.twitter.com/7GMOYHljn5
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 16, 2023
The clash between police authorities and PTI supporters at Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence in Lahore raised alarm and even sparked international concern. An alarmingly heavy police contingent had reached Zaman Park in a bid to arrest Imran Khan. Scores of PTI workers reached Zaman Park as well and the area had turned into a war zone.
Read more: Watch: Heavy police force arrive at Zaman Park to arrest Imran Khan
The police used water guns and tear gas against the PTI workers and supporters. Footage broadcast on television showed police inching toward the residence behind an armored vehicle that was dispersing PTI supporters with a water cannon. Supporters could also be seen pelting stones at the policemen.
The scenes at Zaman Park triggered a national outcry. Amid this backdrop, the SCBAP released a detailed statement condemning the situation that had unfolded at Zaman Park.
The statement, issued by SCBAP President Abid S. Zuberi and Secretary Muqtedir Akhtar Shabbir, said the association stood for rule of law, the constitution and the dignity of the judgments issued by the courts.
“The use of excessive force against the former prime minister of Pakistan is highly condemned. Furthermore, the method of service of warrants is also highly arbitrary, vindictive, and not in accordance with [the] law. Therefore, such violence must be stopped forthwith,” the statement said.
“Law enforcement agencies must not use excessive force and citizens must not initiate confrontation or damage public and private property. It is incumbent upon all citizens to obey orders passed by all courts,” the statement further added.
Read more: Zaman Park drama comes to a halt