PTI leaders urge supporters to protest Imran's arrest

Party members react after former premier arrested in Qadir Trust case

Following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan by Rangers personnel from the Islamabad Judicial Complex on Tuesday, party leaders have urged PTI workers and supporters to take to the streets in protest.

The former premier was arrested in the Al-Qadir Trust case, added the federal capital's top cop. "Situation is normal. Section 144 is in place and violations will result in police action," said IG Islamabad.

Islamabad High Court (IHC) CJ Aamer Farooq has taken notice of the incident and has summoned IG Islamabad, secretary interior, and the additional attorney general.

PTI Secretary General Asad Umar took to his official Twitter handle to announce that "Pakistan's biggest political leader" was arrested after an 'attack' at the Islamabad High Court.

پاکستان کے سب سے بڑے سیاسی لیڈر کو ہائی کورٹ پر حملہ کر کے گرفتار۔ پوری دنیا کو دکھایا جا رہا ہے کہ ملک میں کوئی قانون باقی نہیں۔ شاہ محمود قریشی کی سربراہی میں 6 رکنی کمیٹی جو عمران خان صاحب نے بنائی تھی وہ لائحہ عمل کا اعلان کرے گی

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) May 9, 2023

"The whole world is being shown that there is no law left in the country," he said.

Umar added that a six-member committee headed by Shah Mehmood Qureshi, which was formed by Imran Khan, would announce a plan of action.

The PTI vice-chairperson said Imran's arrest was "rejected" (na manzoor) and instructed the entire nation to take to the streets "immediately".

چئیرمین عمران خان کی گرفتاری نامنظور ۔
پوری قوم فی الفور سڑکوں پر نکلے۔

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) May 9, 2023

In a video message, PTI leader Hammad Azhar said that Imran was arrested and that there were “reports of torture” during the arrest. He maintained that the PTI chief was the nation’s and the Muslim world’s only “honest leader” who had “committed no crime”.

Important message by @Hammad_Azhar : pic.twitter.com/I3erm0JP9l

— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 9, 2023

“He did not steal any money from the people. He did not run away to another country”.

Azhar requested PTI supporters and “the entire nation” to come out of their homes, otherwise “the country would go back to dacoits and thieves”.

PTI leader Murad Saeed reiterated the same message and asked supporters to take to the streets “wherever” they were. Talking to the party’s youth group, he said that it was time to free the country from the “cruel” and the “liars”.

مراد سعید کا ضروری پیغام !! pic.twitter.com/uwG1GE10o9

— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 9, 2023

“It is time for Haqeeqi Azaadi (real freedom)”.

Faisal Javed maintained that the arrest was "illegal".

Imran Khan arrested illegally. Appeal to the Judiciary to take action against those who arrested him. This is not acceptable to the people of Pakistan. #ImranKhanArrest pic.twitter.com/XxMd7DQYg3

— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) May 9, 2023

In a Tweet, he urged the judiciary to take action against those who arrested him".

Farrukh Habib alleged that the PTI chief was arrested “illegally by Rangers personnel” and that “these people” were after Imran to save “Dirty Harry” – a reference to a senior military official Imran blamed for the alleged assassination attempts.

He asked all PTI supporters to come out to protest and asked party workers in Faisalabad to come to the D-type bridge and collect at the zilla council chowk to have their protests “recorded”.

سب پاکستانی سڑکوں پر باہر نکل آئے
عمران خان کو رینجرز نے اغوا کرلیا ہے
عمران خان کی جان کو خطرہ ہے #ReleaseImranKhan pic.twitter.com/JbFuwvasfy

— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 9, 2023

“Imran Khan is the last hope for the country,” he said, claiming that there were threats to his life as the Rangers personnel could do anything.

Senator and PTI South Punjab Regional President Aon Abbas said that Imran had already said he did not fear death and therefore was not afraid of the arrest.

He asked how big the official’s ego was for arresting Imran after he named someone responsible for an assassination attempt against him.

Message by @AonAbbasPTI for the people of South Punjab: #ReleaseImranKhan pic.twitter.com/FPsdSPrUNj

— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 9, 2023

“Your ego is not bigger than the curses of the nation,” he said.

Abbas urged all PTI South Punjab workers and supporters to come out onto the roads and block all highways and roads.

Musarrat Cheema, present at the scene of the arrest, also urged all people of all “religions, factions and colours” to protest the PTI chief’s arrest for “yourself and a better future for your children”.

She claimed that it was possible that the Rangers personnel “slow poisoned” Imran or “injected” him with something that could create “health issues” down the line. She maintained, however, that it was a test for Pakistanis to prove if they were on the “right or wrong side of history”.

Cheema furthered that Imran was victorious and this “gang of cowards” had already lost.

2/2 pic.twitter.com/LiVvsCZS3m

— Musarrat Cheema (@MusarratCheema) May 9, 2023

PTI Sindh President Ali Haider Zaidi said that "the arrest of former PM and the leader of the Pakistani nation from court premises is a blatant violation of the Constitution".

"This country cannot afford this kind of fascism anymore. The nation must rise," he stated, adding that it was time to "shut down" the country

The arrest of former PM & the leader of the Pakistani nation @ImranKhanPTI from court premises is a blatant violation of the constitution.
This country cannot afford this kind of fascism any more.
The nation must rise.
It’s time to shut down this country.
Everyone must come…

— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) May 9, 2023

"Everyone must come out on the streets now".

AML chief and party ally Sheikh Rashid also condemned the arrest as he censured "those in London" who he alleged were behind the arrest.

Imp video msg on Imran Khan arrest pic.twitter.com/ZMnwmO0dzn

— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) May 9, 2023

He said that the development would only turn Imran into a "hero" but also expressed fear that the PTI chief may be subjected to slow poisoning in custody.