Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been arrested on charges of corruption by the country’s paramilitary forces in the capital Islamabad.
Khan’s arrest on Tuesday sparked nationwide protests and demonstrations as the government blocked internet services in major cities.
The 70-year-old opposition leader appeared before a court on Wednesday where authorities are seeking permission to detain the opposition leader for 14 days.
On Tuesday, Khan appeared before the Islamabad High Court on multiple corruption charges when dozens of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) agents backed by paramilitary forces stormed the courtroom and broke windows after Khan’s guards refused to open the door.
The shocking arrest deepened ongoing political unrest and sparked violent demonstrations across the country, leaving at least one person dead in the southwestern city of Quetta. Dozens of other PTI supporters were injured in clashes with security forces.
The arrest and ensuing protests have led officials from other governments and world bodies to call for restraint and calm.
Here’s how the world reacted to Khan’s arrest:
United States
The United States has called for respect for democratic principles and the rule of law in Pakistan.
“We are aware of the arrest of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. As we’ve said before, the United States has no stance on one political candidate or party against another,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at her daily news conference.
“We call for respect for democratic principles and the rule of law around the world. So I refer you to the Government of Pakistan for more information on this,” she said.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he wants the rule of law to be observed in the South Asian country.
“I’ve seen the reports you alluded to and we just want to make sure that whatever happens in Pakistan is in line with the rule of law as reflected in the constitution,” Blinken told reporters at a joint press conference with his British counterpart.
United Kingdom
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said he has not yet had the opportunity to be briefed in detail on developments in Pakistan, but the UK wants a “peaceful democracy” in the country.
“The UK has a long and close relationship with Pakistan. We are Commonwealth partners. We want a peaceful democracy in that country. We want the rule of law to be observed. I feel uncomfortable speculating further without having a detailed briefing on that,” Cleverly said.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn, a prominent member of the British Parliament and former leader of the Labor Party, condemned Khan’s arrest on Twitter.
“The arrest of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan is a black day for democracy,” he tweeted.
The arrest of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan is a black day for democracy.
Solidarity with protesters in Pakistan and abroad and demands his immediate release. pic.twitter.com/qXgQGjhfe2
—Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 10, 2023
United Nations
A top UN official on Tuesday stressed the need to ensure that all political figures in Pakistan are treated fairly and that due process is followed.
The official’s comments came hours after Khan was arrested.
European Union
In a statement, the EU stressed that in such “difficult and tense times” in Pakistan, “restraint and calm were needed”.
“Pakistan’s challenges can only be addressed and the way forward can only be determined by Pakistanis themselves, through sincere dialogue and in accordance with the rule of law,” it said.
Amnesty International
Rights organization Amnesty International said it was concerned about the “escalation of the clashes” and called on Pakistani authorities to exercise “restraint”.
“The clashes unfolding between Imran Khan’s supporters and security officials following the arrest of the former prime minister risk several human rights violations,” it said in a tweet.
PAKISTAN: The clashes between Imran Khan’s supporters and security officials following the arrest of the former prime minister have led to several human rights violations.
We call on the authorities to exercise restraint and ensure that any response is in line with the principles of…
— Amnesty International South Asia Regional Office (@amnestysasia) May 9, 2023
The human rights organization also expressed concern about the suspension of mobile internet services and the blocking of social media applications.
It said the suspension “restricts people’s access to information and freedom of expression”.
🇵🇰Pakistan: Amid concerns about escalating clashes between Imran Khan supporters and police, Amnesty International has been alarmed by reports that Pakistani authorities have suspended mobile internet and access to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
— Amnesty International South Asia Regional Office (@amnestysasia) May 9, 2023