Imran Khan, Pakistan’s recently deposed prime minister, was charged under the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act on Sunday for alleged threats he made against law enforcement and judicial institutions.
Khan, 69, allegedly threatened the groups during a speech on Saturday night in Islamabad, the country’s capital. He criticized the treatment of his aide, Shahbaz Gill, who was arrested last week and charged with sedition, Axios reported.
Khan continues to be the leader and founder of the centrist Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, founded in 1996.
Khan “terrorized and threatened top police officials and a respected female additional sessions judge,” NDTV reported, citing the information report.
In his speech, Khan allegedly threatened to file cases against several top officials within the police and judiciary system. He specifically mentioned Judge Zeba Chaudhry, saying she should “prepare herself as the action would be taken against her,” NDTV reported.
Police stated that his threats were made to instill fear and terror among state institutions, the Washington Post reported.
“This is not only a gross violation of freedom of speech but also negatively affects the digital media industry and the livelihoods of many,” Khan tweeted Saturday night, accusing the government of blocking live coverage of his speeches on both TV and YouTube.
This is not only a gross violation of freedom of speech but also negatively affects the digital media industry and the livelihoods of many. What they need to understand is that no matter what they do, they cannot suppress the will of the people which is Haqeeqi Azadi.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 21, 2022
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority filed a ban against Khan on Saturday, prohibiting any broadcasts of Khan’s speeches on all satellite TV channels “with immediate effect,” according to court documents published in the Express Tribune.
“It has been observed that Mr Imran Khan, Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf, in his speeches/statements is continuously alleging state institutions by leveling baseless allegations and spreading hate speech through his provocative statements against state institutions and officers which is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order and is likely to disturb public peace and tranquility,” the court document stated.
Khan is no stranger to controversy. In 2013, he ran against then-incumbent Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Khan accused the 2013 election of being rigged, which triggered protests in Islamabad for several months.
The Tehreek-e-Insaf leader eventually took office in 2018 under a promise to end corruption in politics. However, his colleagues in parliament deny that he made any strides to do so during his term. Khan was also accused of using the military to secure his election.
He accused Donald Lu, a United States diplomat, of conspiring to overthrow his government in early April. Later that month, he was removed from office through a vote of no confidence. Since then, he has held several rallies, the latest being held on Saturday, to garner support for his party in local elections.
Several government officials have responded to Khan’s speeches, condemning his words and actions. Pakistan Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah tweeted on Monday that Khan would have to face the law for “hurling abuses” at officials.
“Such acts of brazen thuggery are responsible for instigating extremism in society,” Sanaullah tweeted.
Imran Niazi will have to face the law for threatening and hurling abuses at the Magistrate and Police officers. Such acts of brazen thuggery are responsible for instigating extremism in society. You [IK] are not allowed to challenge the writ of the state by inciting rebellion.
— Rana SanaUllah Khan (@RanaSanaullahPK) August 20, 2022
Members of the Tehreek-e-Insaf party have spoken out in opposition to Khan’s arrest.
“Imran Khan’s arrest is a ‘red line’ for us. If this line is crossed, that would lead to something very bad, not good for the people and for the country. We want to remain within the bounds of the constitution, but people are upset, very angry,” said Murad Saeed, Tehreek-e-Insaf senior official, per the Washington Post.
