Pakistan dispatch: arrest of former PM Imran Khan ‘an unprecedented moment in Pakistan’s history’ Dispatches
© SAMAA TV
Pakistan dispatch: arrest of former PM Imran Khan ‘an unprecedented moment in Pakistan’s history’

Law students and law graduates in Pakistan are reporting for JURIST on events in that country impacting its legal system. The anonymous author of this report notes that “The current state of the country has made using the Internet a bit of a challenge. Internet seems to be slow and there are a lot of disruptions. Twitter isn’t working here. Neither is YouTube. Although Facebook and WhatsApp seem to be working, it’s incredibly slow.” 

Imran Khan knew his arrest was inevitable. The events of the past few months clearly indicated that the establishment and Khan were going to go head to head. This is why he used inflammatory and provocative language. He wanted his supporters to mobilise the moment he was arrested. That is what has happened, as you can see from the destructive mass protests across the country. Khan’s supporters raided the Corps Commander’s residence, set ablaze an ambulance, and destroyed public property. In response, the military deployed its troops, who have been using excessive force against protestors.

This seems to be an unprecedented moment in Pakistan’s history. No politician has ever managed to rally their supporters against the military like Khan has. Although the military establishment and Khan have been at each other’s throats since the latter’s ouster, the following weeks will be crucial in determining both, who comes out on top, as well as the future of the country.