Tensions are high in Lahore as Islamabad police has arrived at PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence in a bid to arrest him to implement the court order of his summon in the Toshakhana case.
Armored vehicles along with huge police teams from both Islamabad and Lahore reached Zaman Park to arrest Imran Khan. The CCPO Lahore has directed Civil Police Line to remain alert as the police might carry out an operation.
Videos of a heavy police force and police vans parked on the road around Zaman Park are making the rounds on social media. Meanwhile, PTI leaders are directing its workers and supporters to reach Zaman Park in a bid to thwart the arrest.
پولیس کی مزید نفری طلب — ہم نے بھی سر پر پٹی پہن لی ❌ pic.twitter.com/dfAd60390S
— Mian Umar Jamil (@mianumarjamil) March 14, 2023
https://twitter.com/realwaseemkhan9/status/1635582608930119683?s=20
A heavy police force has arrived at Zaman Park to arrest Imran Khan. Everyone is requested to come outside Imran Khan's residence and not let them arrest Imran Khan under any circumstances.https://t.co/6dAksdPNbG
— Abdullah (@AbdullahSays99_) March 14, 2023
تمام ورکرز اور سپورٹرز جلد از جلد زمان پارک پہنچیں! #زمان_پارک_پہنچو pic.twitter.com/tVyE87CnuP
— PTI (@PTIofficial) March 14, 2023
Islamabad Deputy Inspector General (DIG) (Operations) Shahzad Bukhari told reporters that officials had gathered outside Imran’s Zaman Park residence to take the PTI chief into custody as there were outstanding warrants for his arrest.
However, the police official declined to elaborate on the details of the case in which Islamabad police were acting against Imran.
“Of course, we know of the case but why should we discuss [such] details?” he said.
Read more: Threats to female judge: PTI to challenge Imran Khan’s arrest warrant in IHC
When asked where Imran Khan would be taken once he was arrested, Bukhari said: “Let it first happen, then God willing we will keep you informed.”
He asserted that police had arrived to “serve the lawful process”, adding that he expected that others would cooperate with the officials in this regard.
He also said that he expected the people not to take the law into their own hands and would also announce it to the public gathered outside Imran’s Khan residence. However, if someone takes the law into their hands, then the police would act in accordance with the law, he clarified.
عمران خان کوگرفتارکرنےآئےہیں،ڈی آئی جی آپریشنز
لاہور:وارنٹ گرفتاری کی تعمیل کروائیں گے،ڈی آئی جی آپریشنز
قانون ہاتھ میں لینےوالوں کیخلاف کارروائی کریں گے،ڈی آئی جی آپریشنز#زمان_پارک_پہنچو— RUBAB CRYPTO (@shuglisam) March 14, 2023
Fearing clashes between police and PTI supporters, PTI leader Hassaan Niazi asked police to give some time to Imran Khan and tell the location where he would reach. He said currently the former prime minister was not available.