https://sputniknews.in/20230805/ex-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-arrested-to-prevent-his-re-election-analysts-say-3417380.html
Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan Arrested to Prevent His Re-Election, Analysts Say
Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan Arrested to Prevent His Re-Election, Analysts Say
Sputnik India
Political observers in Pakistan and supporter of ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan have criticized the arrest of the cricketer-turned-politician, as they expressed concern about “politically-motivated” charged against him.
2023-08-05T19:10+0530
2023-08-05T19:10+0530
2023-08-05T19:10+0530
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Political observers in Pakistan and supporters of ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan have criticized the arrest of the cricketer-turned-politician in the 'Toshakhana' case, as they expressed concern about "politically-motivated" charges against him.“It is clearly politically motivated to prevent his re-election. Clearly, he cannot be the only corrupt politician in Pakistan,” Salik remarked.He further called for “overhauling” the entire political system in Pakistan as well as changing the leadership of the country’s powerful Army, which has played an influential role in politics all along.According to a provision in Pakistan’s Constitution cited by local media, Khan is now disqualified from holding public office for the next five years following the court’s verdict.Dr. Shahid Rashid, a political observer, claimed that Khan’s arrest is part of the plan to “put him in jail and crush his party by violating all rules, regulations and morality.”He said that the backers of "regime change" were behind this plan, a veiled reference to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), which Khan accused of plotting his ouster with the help of the Biden administration last April.A former three-star general in Pakistan's army underlined that Khan’s arrest was expected.Even as Khan has called upon his supporters to restrain themselves while they peacefully protest against his arrest, there is a growing sense of disquiet among workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after the ex-PM was taken away by police following the court order earlier in the day.What Does the Court Order Say?Delivering the verdict against Khan, Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar said that "charges of mis-declaration of assets have been proven against PTI chairman", according to the order as reported in local media.It also said that Khan "intentionally" hid the benefits of from the taxpayer.Khan Claims Judge Harbors a 'Dislike' Towards HimKhan has claimed that Dilawar harbored a "dislike" against him.In a video message recorded by Khan on Friday but posted by his party after his arrest, the ex-PM predicted his arrest in advance.Khan said that he already has a pending appeal before the higher court asking him to be "recused" from appearing before the judge.The PTI chief also revealed in the video that he had already answered all the 35 questions in the 'Toshakhana' case in the court on Friday.
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Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan Arrested to Prevent His Re-Election, Analysts Say
Khan was sentenced to a three-year jail term by a court in Islamabad on Saturday. He was soon arrested by police from his Lahore residence. This is the second time since May that the ex-PM has been arrested since his ouster last April.
Political observers in Pakistan and supporters of
ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan have criticized the arrest of the cricketer-turned-politician in the
'Toshakhana' case, as they expressed concern about "politically-motivated" charges against him.
Pervez Salik, an analyst and writer, told Sputnik that the Khan’s arrest on Saturday in the ‘Toshakhana’ case was being done to keep him from being re-elected in the election due later this year.
“It is clearly politically motivated to prevent his re-election. Clearly, he cannot be the only corrupt politician in Pakistan,” Salik remarked.
He further called for “overhauling” the entire political system in Pakistan as well as changing the leadership of the country’s powerful Army, which has played an influential role in politics all along.
"This is the first time in Pakistan that any politician has been sentenced rather than being killed or exiled,” stated Salik, a reference to assassinations of past Pakistani leaders such as ex-PM Benazir Bhutto.
According to a provision in Pakistan’s Constitution cited by local media, Khan is now disqualified from holding public office for the next five years following the court’s verdict.
Dr. Shahid Rashid, a political observer, claimed that Khan’s arrest is part of the plan to “put him in jail and crush his party by violating all rules, regulations and morality.”
He said that the
backers of "regime change" were behind this plan, a veiled reference to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), which Khan accused of plotting his ouster with the help of the Biden administration last April.
"Unfortunately, most of the courts and judges including those of the supreme court are compromised under the establishment's pressure," Rashid said.
A former three-star general in Pakistan's army underlined that Khan’s arrest was expected.
"The decision was expected as the bias of the judge had been pointed out. An appeal has been filed so everyone is staying put for the moment," said General (retired) Shahid Zulfiqar.
Even as Khan has called upon his supporters to restrain themselves while they peacefully protest against his arrest, there is a growing sense of disquiet among workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after the ex-PM was taken away by police following the court order earlier in the day.
"Pakistan is under an undeclared martial law," a PTI supporter said on the condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal from the Pakistani authorities.
What Does the Court Order Say?
Delivering the verdict against Khan, Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar said that "charges of mis-declaration of assets have been proven against PTI chairman", according to the order as reported in local media.
Citing the court order, the Dawn reported that judge as saying the accused (Khan) "committed offence of corrupt practices by making and publishing false declaration in respect of assets acquired by way of gifts from Toshakhana and disposed of during years 2018-2019 and 2019-2020."
It also said that Khan "intentionally" hid the benefits of from the taxpayer.
While Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif was yet to react to Khan's arrest on Saturday, he has previously called him a "certified thief and a liar" for not disclosing details about the gifts he had received from foreign dignitaries during his time in power.
Khan Claims Judge Harbors a 'Dislike' Towards Him
Khan has claimed that Dilawar harbored a "dislike" against him.
In a video message recorded by Khan on Friday but posted by his party after his arrest, the ex-PM predicted his arrest in advance.
Khan said that he has been denied a "fair trial" by the Dilawar, who has refused to entertain his witnesses before the court and delivered the verdict in an arbitrary manner.
Khan said that he already has a pending appeal before the higher court asking him to be "recused" from appearing before the judge.
The PTI chief also revealed in the video that he had already answered all the 35 questions in the 'Toshakhana' case in the court on Friday.
