An agreement has apparently been made between the former Prime Minister and the Punjab authorities for a search to take place this Friday, May 19, at his home. The Pakistani government accused him on Wednesday of harboring wanted supporters for attacks on the army that followed his arrest last week, and warned he had 24 hours to hand them over to authorities.
With our correspondent in Pakistan, Sonia Ghezali
The ultimatum expired at 2 p.m. local time Thursday. The police are expected to search the residence of the former Prime Minister in the afternoon, this Friday, May 19. Imran Khan agreed with one condition: that the police operation be filmed from start to finish. He expressed his fears that people were brought into his home by the security forces and presented as terrorists whom he had hidden and protected.
It will not result in his arrest, authorities said. Imran Khan has no confidence in the power in place. On Thursday, he even reiterated his accusations against the alliance of ruling parties which he says is trying to eliminate his party with the help of the army, he says.
Since his ousting as Prime Minister in April 2022, Imran Khan, who is campaigning for the organization of early elections in the hope of returning to power, has stepped up attacks against the powerful Pakistani army which controls the intelligence services. from the country.
Over 7,000 arrests
Thursday afternoon, Imran Khan invited several media to his residence to show that he was alone, surrounded only by his security guards. To date, more than 7,000 people have been arrested following violent protests following his arrest last week on corruption charges, with several party officials arrested.
All these people should be tried by a military court, announced the Pakistani authorities. The trial of civilians by military tribunals is contrary to international law, reacted the human rights organization Amnesty International.
>> To read also: Pakistan court grants bail to ex-PM Imran Khan