Situation in Pakistan sharply aggravated after the arrest of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf chief Imran Khan over graft charges. As the news of Khan's arrest by Pakistan's paramilitary forces spread, protestors took to the streets in large numbers in various cities of Pakistan including Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other places. The demonstrators also stormed the residence of an army corps commander in Lahore and the Pakistan Army headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Videos shared in social media show protestors with PTI flags chanting slogans against the establishment. The protestors later set ablaze the house of corps commander.
Khan was arrested from Islamabad High Court premises today in Al Qadir Trust graft case where he and his wife Bushra Bibi have been alleged that they obtained billions of rupees from a real estate firm for legalising Rs 50 billion.
The police resorted to the use of tear gas and water canons to disperse the demonstrators.
As per the Islamabad police, 5 police personnel were wounded in the demonstration while 34 protestors were arrested.
The 70-year-old PTI chief who travelled from Lahore to the federal capital Islamabad, was undergoing a biometric process at the Islamabad High Court when the paramilitary Rangers broke open the glass window and arrested him after beating lawyers and Khan's security staff.
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Meanwhile, broadband services across the nation has been suspended and access to social media sites, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube has been restricted.
A large number of PTI workers also pelted stones at the residence of Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah in Faisalabad city. Similarly, protests were held in Multan, Jhang, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Khanewal, Vehari, Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Gujrat cities.