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How international media covered Imran Khan’s dramatic arrest

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After the dramatic arrest of ex-prime minister Imran Khan from the premises of Islamabad High Court (IHC) Tuesday in the Al Qadir Trust corruption case, violent protests broke out bringing the country to a grinding halt and forcing the government to take desperate measures.

International media also covered the events unfolding in Pakistan, highlighting the struggle for power between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Khan and the ruling cadres of the country.

BBC portrayed it as an escalation of tensions between the country’s military and his party amid financial turmoil. It also highlighted that the army has been called in to prevent violence.

CNN also focused on the strained relations between the military and the cricketer-turned-politician. It underlined that his arrest sparked deadly violence and anger against the country’s military putting the country on an edge.  

How international media covered Imran Khans dramatic arrest

Guardian covered the violence that was started after the dramatic detention of a 70-year-old PTI chief, stating that the army deployed across the country after violence resulted in nine deaths. 

How international media covered Imran Khans dramatic arrest

The report noted the souring of relations after the PTI chief was ousted from power through a vote of no confidence, highlighting that the former cricketer’s popularity has increased since he was ousted from the premiership.

New York Times also reported Khan’s arrest, noting that violent protests broke out across Pakistan. It also said: Khan crossed a line against defying the army that has rarely been breached in Pakistan’s turbulent history.

How international media covered Imran Khans dramatic arrest

Reuters noted Imran Khan as the country’s most popular leader citing opinion polls.

How international media covered Imran Khans dramatic arrest

The Washington Post said that Khan was making a major push to return to power.

According to Time magazine: “On the streets of Islamabad, hundreds of protesters blocked main highways, while others tore down street signs and sections of overpasses, hurling stones and lighting fires.”

How international media covered Imran Khans dramatic arrest

Pakistani media trends

As international media reports widely covered Imran Khan’s arrest and its aftermath, local media also covered it from several perspectives noting how the PTI leaders were arrested and how the hooliganism of demonstrators wreaked havoc throughout the country. 

How international media covered Imran Khans dramatic arrest

Other media reported the ongoing drive for the arrest of PTI leaders from different places. 

How international media covered Imran Khans dramatic arrest

Another local media group showed a recording of an audio call between the two party leaders talking about ransacking a house.

How international media covered Imran Khans dramatic arrest

Police have contained the violence and protesters seemed to be backing down; however, it is yet to be seen how the situation unfolds down the line. 

The sorry state of affairs across the country has further fuelled the uncertainty regarding the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) bailout programme, which has been hanging in balance for a long time, amid high interest rates, and back-breaking inflation.

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PTI suggests resuming talks with government over judicial commission issue.

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Barrister Gohar, Chairman of the PTI, has claimed that the party’s founder has suspended negotiations, emphasizing that the government should declare the commission within seven days.

He emphasized the PTI’s openness to rethink if the government makes headway and establishes the commission.

Barrister Gohar told the reporters, “Seven days were enough to announce the commission.” We are ready to reconsider, but the government must first announce the commission.”

He stated that the PTI approached the negotiations with an open mind. “The PTI founder has halted the negotiations. “The government had eight laws on their agenda, while we only had two demands,” he stated.

The PTI chairman went on to say that even after seven days, no progress had been made in forming the commission. He encouraged the government to reconsider the decision and proceed with the announcement.

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PTI will declare February 8 to be “Black Day,” sparking protests across the country.

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According to reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intends to hold rallies nationwide on Wednesday in support of its decision to declare February 8, the one-year anniversary of the general elections, a black day.

According to media sources, PTI founder Imran Khan has instructed all party lawmakers—including MPAs and MNAs—to plan and take part in demonstrations in their local communities on February 8 in order to draw attention to their complaints and issues.

In a recent meeting with legal advisors on Wednesday, Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. The meeting emphasized the importance of party discipline and gave stern directives to abstain from any criticism of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the JUI-F.

It has also been suggested that the PTI engage opposition leaders in the demonstrations in order to win their support.

Party insiders revealed that the founder has urged leaders to ensure effective coordination and mobilised efforts in preparation for February 8.

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In 13 cases involving the D-Chowk demonstration, Bushra Bibi granted temporary release until February 7.

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Bushra Bibi, the wife of the PTI chairman, was granted temporary release by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in 13 counts pertaining to the November 26 D-Chowk protest. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra ordered the police to produce all pertinent documentation by February 7 and granted bail against surety bonds of Rs. 5,000 apiece.

Additionally, Bushra Bibi was given temporary release until February 7 in the Rangers’ accident case. During the hearing, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra expressed disappointment over the behavior of the defense counsel on two occasions. Addressing the lawyers, he remarked, “You demand VIP protocol everywhere, but this is not possible. Prepare your files properly before coming to court.”

Three cases at the Secretariat Police Station, two each at the Margalla, Karachi Company, and Ramna Police Stations, and one each at the Tarnol, Kohsar, Aabpara, and Khanna Police Stations are among the numerous charges against Bushra Bibi.

In addition, the judge chastised the defense team for requesting that Bushra Bibi sign and thumbprint blank documents. He said, “The accused must sign and thumbprint the court orders, not blank sheets.”

Bushra Bibi also went to the Islamabad High Court to have her biometrics verified in relation to her appeal to be exonerated in the Toshakhana-II case. On Monday, Bushra Bibi and the PTI chairman submitted their acquittal petitions. After finishing the biometric procedure, she departed right away.

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