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.
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.
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.
Reuters noted Imran Khan as the country’s most popular leader citing opinion polls.
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.”
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.
Other media reported the ongoing drive for the arrest of PTI leaders from different places.
Another local media group showed a recording of an audio call between the two party leaders talking about ransacking a house.
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.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.
He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.
He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”
The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.
Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.
According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.
Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.
As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.
The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.
The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.
Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.
In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.
Defense arguments The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.
Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.
Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.
Position of the prosecution The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.
Status of Co-Accused The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.
In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.
Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.
Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”
The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”