2023 Pakistani protests

The 2023 Pakistani protests are an ongoing series of protests across Pakistan that started during March 2023, against the possible arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. In Zaman Park, there was intense tear gas shelling. All routes leading to the park were blocked due to the protests.[2][3]

2023 Pakistani protests
Part of 2022–2023 Pakistan political unrest
Date14 March - ongoing
Location
Zaman Park
Caused byPossible arrest of Imran Khan
Statusongoing
Parties to the civil conflict
Lead figures

Imran Khan

Casualties and losses
7
54 policemen[1]
This article is part of
a series about
Imran Khan
Elections
Politics
Related

Imran Khan's signature

Background

The Toshakhana reference case had been registered against Imran Khan by the Election Commission of Pakistan and he was constantly staying away from the hearing, as a result the district and sessions court of Islamabad again issued an arrest warrant and ordered the police to produce him at the next hearing.[4][5] On the other hand Imran says that the arrest aims at election removal.[6]

Series of incidents

14 March

Protests broke out in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on Tuesday at the call of the former prime minister and PTI chairman. Police and party workers clashed outside of his Zaman Park residence in Lahore, and also used gas and a water cannon on supporters nearby. Police also arrested party workers.[7]

15 March

The legal team of Imran approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on 15 March 2023 and requested it to suspend Khan's non-bailable arrest warrants in the Toshakhana case, but the high court directed the deposed prime minister's counsel to move the trial court as the order for his arrest was "in line with the law".[8]

On the other hand, PTI also filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) to suspend the warrant orders. However, on 15 March 2023, the LHC ordered the police to halt their operations in Lahore's Zaman Park until March 16, despite their failure to apprehend Khan. They reasoned that an arrest would interfere with a nearby Pakistan Super League playoff match.[9][10]

16 March

Imran, the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), requested the suspension of the non-bailable arrest warrants issued in the Toshakhana case, but his request was denied by the Islamabad district court on March 16, 2023. Additional district and sessions judge Zafar Iqbal announced the verdict and ordered the authorities concerned to arrest the former prime minister and present him before the court on March 18.[11][12]

Additionally, the Lahore High Court again ordered the police to postpone their attempt to detain Khan until March 17.

References
  1. "Imran Khan's arrest: Rangers reach Zaman Park after 54 policemen injured in clashes with PTI workers". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  2. "Business News Today: Read Latest Business News, Live India Share Market News, Finance & Economy News". mint. Retrieved 2023-03-14.
  3. Dawn.com, Umar Farooq | (2023-03-14). "Zaman Park stand-off for Imran's arrest continues for more than 12 hours as more reinforcements arrive". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  4. "Imran Khan Arrest Live Updates: Police attempt to storm Khan's residence again, clashes with supporters in Lahore". The Indian Express. 2023-03-14. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  5. "Imran Khan arrest: Zaman Park turns into battleground as PTI workers, police clash". The Nation. 2023-03-14. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  6. Adil, Virginia Pietromarchi,Hafsa. "Pakistan updates: Imran Khan says arrest aims at election removal". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-03-14.
  7. "Business News Today: Read Latest Business News, Live India Share Market News, Finance & Economy News". mint. Retrieved 2023-03-14.
  8. "Toshakhana case: Islamabad court rejects Imran Khan's plea seeking suspension of arrest warrant". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  9. "Zaman Park clashes: LHC directs police to stop operation till today". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  10. "Imran Khan news live: As stand-off continues, Imran Khan says plot to arrest him was hatched in London". The Times of India. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  11. "Toshakhana case: Islamabad court rejects Imran Khan's plea seeking suspension of arrest warrant". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  12. "Toshakhana case: Imran Khan's plea seeking cancellation of arrest warrant dismissed". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
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