Pakistan: Situation surrounding former Prime Minister Imran Khan escalates 88-year-old doctor is released after being held hostage in West Africa for seven years

In Pakistan, the situation around the house of former Prime Minister Imran Khan is coming to a head. Security forces continued to cordon off the compound after Khan refused to let police search his residence on Friday. This was announced by police officer Shah Hussain of the German news agency. The search was ordered by the court to apprehend Khan’s supporters who allegedly hid on his property.

Police have accused Khan’s supporters of being involved in attacks on military installations. Authorities had given the popular opposition leader an ultimatum to extradite him local time on Thursday afternoon, but he did not comply. Some 1,500 police officers have been surrounding the politician’s house for days.

In the South Asian country of more than 240 million people, violent riots broke out across the country last week after Khan was taken away from a court in Islamabad. His followers stormed several military buildings. The politician was eventually released on bail by order of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court also ordered Khan not to be re-arrested until June.

Since the foundation of Pakistan 75 years ago, unrest and instability have reigned in the South Asian country. However, attacks against the powerful military in the country are seen as a red line. Khan, on the other hand, had repeatedly accused generals of being involved in a conspiracy against him since his ouster as prime minister.

Since Khan was overthrown by a no-confidence vote, the judiciary has repeatedly issued fresh accusations. Observers see political reasons for this. The 70-year-old hopes for a political comeback in view of the parliamentary elections in the autumn. A new arrest of the politician is not ruled out. (sda/dpa)