The opposition considers the charges to be politically motivated. The political situation in Pakistan has been inflamed.
On Monday, the police started a terrorism investigation into the former prime minister of Pakistan About Imran Khan. The reason is Khan’s speech on Saturday, in which he criticized the police and the Pakistani justice system.
Khan’s supporters see the charges as politically motivated.
Khan said on Saturday that he plans to bring the police and the judge to justice, accusing the police of torturing his aide. According to the police report, the purpose was to prevent the police from doing their job and to spread terror.
After the speech, the Pakistani authorities banned, among other things, the broadcasting of Khan’s speeches on television. They also blocked access to YouTube, where Khan’s speech could be watched.
If found guilty, Khan could face years in prison.
Using the anti-terrorism law against politicians has been common in Pakistan, even when Khan was in power.
Supporters plan to block the arrest
After the terrorism investigation began, hundreds of Khan’s supporters gathered in front of his home to prevent the police from arresting the ex-prime minister.
Khan has staged several popular anti-government protests since he was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April. Khan came to power in 2018.
The party’s leaders have feared that the situation could even escalate into a civil war.