The interim government in Pakistan’s Punjab province has given an ultimatum to former Prime Minister Imran Khan to handover “30 to 40” terrorists allegedly taking refuge at his Lahore residence or face action. The warning was issued by Punjab’s interim Information Minister, Amir Mir, on Tuesday, who urged Khan to act within 24 hours to avoid law enforcement agencies arresting the terrorists from his house. Mir also revealed that the chief minister of Punjab had given full autonomy to the Punjab police to deal with arsonists. The move follows several violent protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party led by Khan, across the country against the arrest of PTI leader Safdar Awan. The protests led to the arrest of Khan and the detention of several thousand PTI workers across Pakistan.
The Punjab interim government has taken a “zero tolerance” approach to the violence, arresting over 7,000 PTI workers across the country, with 4,000 of them in Punjab, for torching and vandalising civil and military installations. The government has also decided to try the attackers under the Army Act, a move criticised by human rights organisations such as Amnesty International and the National Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
Khan has denied allegations that the terrorists are taking refuge at his residence. In a tweet, he accused the Punjab police of surrounding his house and claimed he could be arrested at any time. He also called the government’s ultimatum “totally baseless and fabricated”. PTI supporters have gathered around Khan’s Zaman Park mansion in Lahore to show support, with the Punjab police closing all access roads to the property.
The warning has led to concerns that the security forces may use the unrest to tighten their grip on the country in the run-up to general elections next year. There are also fears that the government’s use of the Army Act could lead to a curtailment of civil liberties in the country. Human rights organisations have criticised the use of the law, saying that it undermines the country’s democratic principles and violates human rights.
In recent months, there has been growing political instability in Pakistan, with opposition parties accusing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of corruption and calling for his resignation. Sharif has denied the allegations, and the protests have led to growing tensions between the government and opposition parties. The situation has been further complicated by the involvement of the military in the protests, with accusations that they have tacitly supported them.
In conclusion, the ultimatum issued to Imran Khan by the Punjab interim government has raised fears of an escalation in political instability in Pakistan. The use of the Army Act to try attackers of state buildings and property has also been criticised for its potential curtailment of civil liberties and violation of human rights. The situation in Pakistan is complex, with growing tensions between the government, opposition parties, and the military, and the upcoming general elections are likely to exacerbate these tensions further.
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