Police file terrorism charges against Pakistan’s Imran Khan

The former cricketer turned prime minister faces terror charges amid escalating tensions in Pakistan.

Pakistani police have filed terrorism charges against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, authorities announced on Monday, escalating political tensions in the country as the ousted leader holds mass rallies seeking a return to office.

The charges followed a speech Mr Khan gave in Islamabad on Saturday in which he vowed to sue police officers, a magistrate, and alleged that a close aide had been tortured in detention.

A court in Islamabad has issued a so-called “protective bail” for Mr Khan for the next three days, preventing police from arresting him over the charges, according to Shah Mahmood Qureshi, a senior leader in Mr Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf opposition party.

Pakistan's former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) chief Imran Khan, delivers a speech to his supporters during a rally. Picture: AFP

Pakistan opposition leaders warned on Monday, local time, that authorities would cross a “red line” if they arrested the former prime minister after he was reported under the anti-terrorism act for comments he made about the judiciary.

Since being ousted by a vote of no confidence in April, Mr Khan has held mass rallies across the country, warning state institutions including the military not to back the coalition government led by his long-time political rival Shehbaz Sharif.

Hundreds of people gathered outside Mr Khan’s house on Monday to prevent police from arresting him.

Supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, wave flags during a rally to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Pakistan's independence day in Lahore. Picture: AFP

“Wherever you are, reach Bani Gala today and show solidarity with Imran Khan,” tweeted former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, referring to Khan’s home.

“Imran Khan is our red line.”

Outside Mr Khan’s residence on Monday were around 500 party supporters gathered in the affluent suburb of Bani Gala.

Muhammad Ayub said he had travelled overnight from Peshawar in the northwest to show support for Khan.

“We will protest and will block roads if Khan is arrested,” he told AFP.

A First Information Report was filed with police on Sunday – the first step of a process that could lead to formal charges and arrest.

In a statement, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) said the latest accusations against him were “frivolous”.

“We have serious reservations on this politically motivated move which leads towards further instability in the country,” it said.

Mr Khan’s main goal is an early general election – the next one must be held before October next year – but the government has shown no sign of wanting to go to the polls as it grapples with major economic problems.

Pakistan's former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) chief Imran Khan, delivers a speech to his supporters during a rally to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Pakistan's independence day in Lahore on August 13, 2022. (Photo by Arif ALI / AFP)

Mr Khan swept into power in 2018 thanks to an electorate weary of the dynastic politics of the country’s two major parties, with the former cricket star promising to sweep away decades of entrenched corruption.

Political Analyst Hassan Askari Rizvi told AFP that filing the latest case against Mr Khan was not symbolic, but rather a genuine attempt to stifle him.

“The government is using the state institutions to malign the opposition,” he said, adding ordinary Pakistanis were being hurt by the political wrangling.

Supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister wave flags during an anti-government protest rally in Islamabad. Picture: AFP

“The only thing left for the ruling party and the opposition is to malign each other. In the current situation, the real priority should be the economy so that the common man can get some relief.”

Over the weekend, Pakistan’s media watchdog banned television channels from broadcasting live addresses by Mr Khan, saying he was “spreading hate speech”.

“His provocative statements against state institutions and officers … is likely to disturb public peace and tranquillity,” the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority said.

Originally published as Police file terrorism charges against Pakistan’s Imran Khan