Army called in as protests rage across Pakistan after Imran Khan arrest

Pakistan's army forces have been deployed in Punjab to maintain law and order after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan triggered waves of nationwide protests.

In a bid to restore law and order, the Interior Ministry approved on Wednesday the deployment of army in Punjab, where Khan resides and a hot spot for unrest, just a day after the 70-year-old popular premier was arrested at the Islamabad Supreme Court during appearance on alleged corruption charges.

"Federal Government, in the exercise of the powers conferred under Article 245 of the Constitution and Section 4 (3) (ii) of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 (to discharge such functions as specified in the said act), is pleased to authorize the deployment of Pakistan Army troops/assets for maintaining law and order situation across the Punjab province in aid of civil power," the ministry said in an official order.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a northwestern province, was also requesting military assistance to maintain law and order.

Shortly after the arrest of the cricketer-turned-politician, his enraged supporters protested across the country, prompting the government to disrupt internet services and widen their dragnet to detain other members of Khan's party, known as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Protesters on Wednesday blocked some roads in Islamabad as Khan's party called for a nationwide strike.

Much of the violence was still concentrated in Lahore, the capital city of Punjab, but it was also erupting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Peshawar, where angry demonstrators stormed the Radio Pakistan building.

Nearly 1,000 arrested in Pakistan's Punjab amid anger, protests over ex-PM arrest

Pakistani police detain nearly 1,000 supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eastern Punjab Province.

During a cabinet meeting by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, it was recommended that those arrested during the unrest for committing arson and violent incidents be charged under the country’s anti-terror laws.

In a statement on Tuesday, the army said the day “will be remembered as a dark chapter” in Pakistan's history. It also denounced the protests as “organized attacks” against military installations.

Khan was forced out of office in April last year by Pakistan's judiciary and legislature. However, he has since led a popular campaign against the current government, accusing it of colluding with the military to remove him from office.

In November last year, Khan was shot in the leg during a political rally, an assassination bid he blamed on Sharif. Khan was leading a protest march on the capital Islamabad to demand snap elections when he was shot in the shin near Allah Walla Chowk in Wazirabad.

Previous attempts to arrest Khan from his home in Lahore saw clashes between his supporters and security forces.

Khan was voted into power in 2018 on the promise of fighting corruption, but his mishandling of the economy did not help his case.

Despite being ousted from power, Khan’s popularity has grown. It was reflected in by-elections held recently in Punjab where Khan’s party swept the polls. The unexpected victory by Khan’s party allowed them to regain control of Punjab province.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk