Ajit Karn
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the Pakistani parliament on Tuesday to take action against his predecessor Imran Khan over allegations that his party was involved in the violence that erupted when police attempted to apprehend him for alleged corruption.
The confrontations occurred earlier this month after Mr. Khan’s supporters prevented police and paramilitary forces from arresting him for allegedly illegally selling state gifts during his premiership from 2018 to 22. He denies any improper conduct.
Last week, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah requested a parliamentary ruling authorizing the government to clamp down on Mr. Khan’s party and supporters.
“Have you ever witnessed law enforcement officers on their way to serve a court summons being attacked with petrol bombs?” Mr. Sharif asked legislators during a live-televised speech.
“I am pleading with this legislature that these matters be addressed immediately. If we want to save Pakistan, this assembly must act immediately,” he said, adding, “Enough is enough.” Now the law must run its course.”
Mr. Sharif did not specify what action he desired the legislature to conduct against Mr. Khan.
Some of Mr. Sharif’s ministers have called for a ban on Mr. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, but it was unclear whether the government was requesting this from the legislature.
Mr. Sharif’s coalition government, which assumed office after a vote of no confidence ousted former cricket star Mr. Khan from office last year, has alleged that Islamist militants were among Mr. Khan’s supporters.
Since his removal, Mr. Khan has demanded early elections and organized nationwide protests to urge his case.
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The confrontations between Mr. Khan’s supporters and security forces have sparked a new wave of political unrest in the 220 million-person, nuclear-armed nation in the midst of a debilitating economic crisis.
Mr. Khan claims that the government and the potent military are attempting to prevent him from running in the November elections. Government and military officials both deny this. In the event of conviction, Mr. Khan could be disqualified from voting.
