Imran Khan, the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has raised serious allegations against the government, claiming that his party and its supporters are facing an unprecedented crackdown. Thousands of people have been swept up in arrests, and hundreds are now facing trial in military courts.

The escalation of violence in Pakistan occurred following the arrest of the former prime minister on corruption charges. In response, the government and the military promised stringent action against those involved in the attacks on numerous government buildings, military leaders’ homes, and headquarters. The violence resulted in at least nine fatalities and left hundreds injured.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif referred to the perpetrators of the violence as “terrorists,” while the influential military establishment vowed to try those responsible for these “heinous crimes” under military laws. Sharif emphasized his commitment to leaving no stone unturned in identifying and bringing the culprits to justice.

However, Imran Khan has voiced his concern, alleging that the crackdown is a thinly veiled attempt to unleash a “reign of terror” on PTI members across the country. He accused those in power of employing fascist tactics to silence and oppress PTI workers and supporters, under the guise of identifying arsonists.

The government has accused Khan of harboring “30 to 40 terrorists” involved in the violence at his Lahore residence. On Friday evening, a delegation from the Punjab police, consisting of four members, arrived at Khan’s home with a warrant and conducted a search in front of the media. PTI stated that the police received full cooperation and left empty-handed.

Khan has further alleged that the violence on May 9 was orchestrated by state actors and military agencies to tarnish the reputation of PTI. During a court appearance, he expressed his concern about the erosion of civil liberties and fundamental rights, emphasizing that only the courts are safeguarding human rights.

Amir Mir, the information minister, refuted Khan’s claim that 7,000 people were arrested, stating that the actual number of arrests stands at 3,428. Mir asserted that no innocent individuals have been apprehended. The police have compiled a list of 25,000 individuals responsible for the violence using video footage, CCTV recordings, and information from WhatsApp groups. Their intention is to arrest around 5,000 people directly involved in the attacks on government and military property.

Several senior PTI leaders have been detained en masse, accused of orchestrating the violence. Shireen Mazari, PTI’s former human rights minister, was re-arrested despite having been granted protection from arrest by an Islamabad court.

In Lahore, there has been a widespread crackdown on anyone associated with Khan’s party. Haider Ali Butt, a political activist and lawyer, reported that the state machinery is primarily focused on raiding the homes of PTI workers and supporters. Even individuals not involved in the protests are being arrested, and those accused of arson, vandalism, or attacking government buildings are being handed over to anti-terrorism police.

One such individual, Ayaan Ali, a 22-year-old PTI supporter, was picked up in Lahore on accusations of participating in an arson attack on a senior military leader’s house. Concerns are mounting for the well-being of those detained, with family members expressing shock and worry about their loved ones’ arrests.

The decision to try arrested civilians in military courts has raised significant concerns among lawyers and politicians. Amnesty International condemned this move as a violation of international law. While a law was passed in 2015 allowing terrorists to be tried under military law, using such measures on a large scale against civilian protesters would be unprecedented in Pakistan.

Lawyer Asad Jamal highlighted the social, political, and legal problems associated with trying civilians in military courts, warning that it could potentially violate the constitution. Raza Rabbani, a senator with the Pakistan People’s Party, a coalition partner in the ruling government, also criticized the plans, stating that trying civilians in military courts would violate civil liberties and the fundamental right to a fair and transparent trial. Rabbani advocated for the attackers to be tried under the regular criminal justice system.

As the crackdown continues and tensions escalate, the situation in Pakistan remains highly volatile, with implications for human rights and the judicial system.

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