The level of political upheaval in the country is rising by the hour. The events of the last few days have put Pakistan in the spotlight as there was no let-up in clashes between security personnel and PTI activists both in Lahore and Islamabad.
The blame game between the PTI and the ruling coalition continues, with both sides accusing each other of trampling law.
On Saturday, Punjab police broke into Zaman Park and searched the premises, claiming to have recovered contraband. In the process, the residence was considerably damaged. Whereas, in Islamabad, the PTI supporters used rocks and petrol bombs during their clash with police who resorted to teargas shelling when Imran Khan reached the Federal Judicial Complex to appear before a court in the Toshakhana case.
Following the incident, the capital police lodged a first information report, which included terrorism charges, against the former prime minister and over a dozen party leaders.
On the other hand, the PTI responded by announcing that it would file cases against police officials who conducted an operation in Zaman Park.
It also blamed PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz for the raid on Imran’s residence.
Dr Uzma Khanum, the sister of the PTI chairman, alleged that her husband was kidnapped during the operation in Zaman Park.
The PML-N and its allies countered by saying that the government would consult its legal team to ascertain if a process could be initiated to declare the PTI proscribed.
The ruling parties expressed their annoyance over what they termed ‘special treatment’ being meted out to Imran Khan by courts.
In the wake of the prevailing situation, one thing is for sure – tempers on both sides would not be coming down anytime soon. With the economy nosediving and the IMF not budging at the moment, this mayhem’s ultimate casualty will be Pakistan.
