Imran Khan 'arrested' by Lahore police over dozen of cases related to May 9 riots

Legal troubles for former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan are far from over as the Lahore police have “arrested” him in connection with a dozen cases, including the attack on the Corps Commander House, lodged against cricketer-turned-politician over the May 9 riots. The formal arrest of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf came days after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) secured an eight-day remand of Khan.

According to Pakistani news outlet Dawn, sources said that the ex-PM will not be moved to Lahore for interrogation despite the arrest. The authorities are taking extra caution over the matter due to the security risks involved. However, on Monday, Khan will appear before an anti-terrorism court in Lahore via video link. During the trial, the Lahore police are expected to seek a remand.

Fresh legal cases were hurled against Imran after a session court acquitted him and his wife in the infamous Iddat Case. After the acquittal, the court demanded the couple’s immediate release since, at that time, the illegal marriage case was the last one that was keeping Khan in jail. Immediately after his acquittal, NAB booked him in a corruption case.

Imran refused to meet Lahore police

According to Dawn, the Pakistani leader refused to meet the Lahore police team when they tried to gain access to him for interrogation. Khan was accused of several offences, including the charge of inciting riot-like situations across the country.

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Lahore Investigation DIG Zeeshan Asghar told Dawn that the police arrested the PTI founder since he was the prime suspect in the 12 cases that are registered in various police stations in the city.

A 13-member police team, including at least 12 investigating officers (IOs), went to Adiala jail over the weekend. After the prison authorities apprised the PTI founder about the purpose of their visit, Khan refused to meet them.

A source close to the matter told the Pakistani news outlet that the Lahore officials stayed at Adiala jail and sent several messages to Imran, but to no avail. After getting no response from the cricketing legend, they told the jail authorities that Khan was arrested in 12 cases.

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What was the NAB remand about? 

Meanwhile, the accountability court in Islamabad handed custody of Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to NAB authorities on physical remand for eight days. The case dealt with a new Toshakhana debacle.

The decision was announced by Islamabad Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich on a NAB plea. The couple will be now produced to court on July 22.

With inputs from agencies.