Law-enforcement agencies (LEAs), especially police, strategically retreated after a fresh round of clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcers on Wednesday after another attempt is being made to arrest PTI Chairman Imran Khan to implement arrest warrants issued by an Islamabad court in the Toshakhana case over no show-up.
The decision to take a pause has been taken to ensure smooth conduct of the Pakistan Super League playoff match at Gaddafi Stadium.
Earlier in the day, a heavy contingent of police and rangers advanced towards the residence of the former premier in Zaman Park, with party workers and supporters pelting them with stones. In reaction, the security officials fired tear gas shells to disperse them while water cannons were also part of the operation.
The capital city of Punjab has seen violent since Tuesday when a team of the Islamabad police, with a backup of Punjab police and rangers, tried to take the defiant politician into custody. More than 60 people, including the DIG Operations of Islamabad police, have been injured in the clashes.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan has, in an indirect message, urged the Establishment to take stock of the situation and shed neutrality. In a tweet, he wrote: “My house has been under heavy attack since yesterday afternoon. Latest attack by Rangers, pitting the largest pol[itical] party against the army. This is what PDM and the enemies of Pakistan want. No lessons learnt from the East Pakistan tragedy”.
