ISLAMABAD: The Federal Interior Minister of Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah, categorically refuted allegations of torture inflicted on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan during his arrest by Rangers personnel from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
In a tweet, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emphasized that Imran Khan had failed to comply with multiple notices, and his arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was based on charges related to causing damage to the national treasury. The minister firmly stated that no form of torture was inflicted upon Imran Khan.
نوٹسز کے باوجود عمران پیش نہیں ہوئے، قومی خزانے کو نقصان پہنچانے پر نیب کی جانب سے گرفتاری کی گئی ہے۔ ان پر کسی قسم کا کوئی تشدد نہیں کیا گیا۔
— Rana Sana Ullah Khan (@RanaSanaullahPK) May 9, 2023
Earlier, Imran Khan’s lawyer, Barrister Ali Gohar, had claimed that Rangers personnel had “tortured” the PTI chairman during his arrest. He alleged that Imran Khan was hit on the head and his injured leg, while also stating that he and Ali Bukhari were present with the party leader at the time of the incident.
Advocate Gohar further described the Rangers’ actions, stating that they broke through the glass and entered the diary branch, subsequently ransacking the IHC office after breaking the main gate.
Imran Khan previous uses NAB against political opponents: Khawaja Asif
In response to the allegations, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif pointed out that Imran Khan had previously used the NAB against others while he was in power.
اقتدار میں IK نے نیب نیب بہت کھیلا۔فرمائشی گرفتاریاں ھوتی تھیں لاڈلا ضد کرتا ضد پوری ھوتی تھی۔ قید میں لاڈلے کی انا کی تسکین کے لئے اذیتیں دی جاتیں تھیں۔ بیٹیوں بہنوں کو بھی نیب نے گرفتار کیا۔ نیب عدالتیں آلہ کار بن کئیں۔ انشااللہ اب صرف قانون حرکت کرے گا۔ قانون کسی کے تابع نہیں
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) May 9, 2023
He accused Imran Khan of arresting individuals based on his demands and subjecting them to torture to satisfy his ego. The defence minister concluded that the law would now take its course, emphasizing that it was not subject to anyone’s influence.
Earlier today, Imran Khan was arrested by Rangers personnel from the IHC premises based on NAB’s warrant. The arrest was carried out as part of the NAB’s investigation into the Al-Qadir Trust case, just before Imran Khan’s scheduled appearance at the IHC to seek bail in multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against him.
The paramilitary troops used a black Toyota Hilux Vigo vehicle to transport Imran Khan to NAB Rawalpindi. The arrest, which involved breaking doors and scuffling with PTI supporters and lawyers, has triggered protests throughout the country.
The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, confirmed the arrest and assured the public that the situation was under control. Imran Khan was apprehended by battle-hardened paramilitary personnel while he was present at the IHC’s biometric verification department. The NAB officials had valid arrest warrants issued by NAB Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmad Butt.
عمران خان کو قادر ٹرسٹ کیس میں گرفتار کیاگیا ہے۔ آئی جی اسلام آباد ۔
حالات معمول کے مطابق ہیں ۔ آئی جی اسلام آباد
دفعہ 144 نافذ العمل ہے خلاف ورزی کی صورت میں کارروائی عمل میں لائی جائے گی ۔
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) May 9, 2023
Imran Khan’s warrants were issued under Section 9A of the National Accountability Ordinance 1999. The arrest and subsequent allegations of torture have intensified the political atmosphere in the country, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and legal action to address the matter.
