Pakistani Police Surround Imran Khan’s Home as Deadline for Suspects’ Handover Expires

Pakistani police have continued their siege around the residence of former Prime Minister Imran Khan as a 24-hour deadline for him to hand over suspects allegedly sheltered inside expired on Thursday.

The authorities’ demand for the suspects, who are wanted in connection with violent protests following Khan’s recent detention, has sparked anger among his supporters and raised concerns of further clashes between them and security forces.

Last week, Khan’s supporters engaged in attacks on public property and military installations after he was forcefully removed from a courtroom and arrested on graft charges. The ensuing clashes with police resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people across the country. The violence subsided only after the Supreme Court ordered Khan’s release.

Following his release, Khan returned to his home in Lahore, accompanied by dozens of his supporters and private guards. On Wednesday, the police surrounded the residence and demanded the handover of 40 suspects.

The deadline expired at 2 p.m. local time, but there were no immediate indications of any significant police action. Khan’s party invited reporters to witness any potential police raids on the premises.

While Khan’s residence is typically guarded by 200 to 300 supporters, most of them dispersed overnight. The police have erected barricades on a main road leading to the house and directed residents to use alternative routes.

In a tweet on Wednesday, the opposition leader, aged 70, stated, “Probably my last tweet before my next arrest… Police have surrounded my house.” He also addressed his supporters, emphasizing that the police can only search his house with a warrant and should not barge in, causing chaos.

Amir Mir, a spokesperson for the Punjab provincial government, warned that the police were prepared to use firearms if attacked. Mir stated in a news conference on Thursday that over 3,400 suspects linked to the protests had been arrested, with more raids planned.

The Pakistani authorities have announced their intention to prosecute civilians involved in recent anti-government protests in military courts. This decision has drawn criticism from Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, who oppose civilian trials in military courts due to the lack of transparency and the denial of basic rights.

Khan, who was ousted by a non-confidence vote in Parliament last year, faces more than 100 legal cases, including charges of inciting violence, threatening officials, and violating rally bans. He is also involved in a graft case along with his wife and was summoned by the National Accountability Bureau for questioning on Thursday, although it is expected that he will disregard the summons.

Khan is scheduled to address a rally of his supporters on the outskirts of Lahore later in the day.