[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]LAHORE: The Punjab police launched a surprise ‘search operation’ at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) head Imran Khan’s Zaman Park mansion – hours after he left to appear before a provincial court in Islamabad – and arrested many party workers on Saturday.
“Punjab police have led an assault on my residence in Zaman Park where Bushra Begum is alone,” Imran wrote on social media.
He questioned under what law the operation was being done out, saying that “this is part of London Plan where commitments were made to bring absconder Nawaz Sharif to power as quid pro quo for agreeing to one appointment”.
Meanwhile Punjab police have led an assault on my house in Zaman Park where Bushra Begum is alone. Under what law are they doing this? This is part of London Plan where commitments were made to bring absconder Nawaz Sharif to power as quid pro quo for agreeing to one appointment.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 18, 2023
While the police employed heavy gear to break down the gate of Imran’s residence, the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore himself is supervising the operation.
Also Read: Imran khan makes his way to Islamabad Court.
Water guns, bulldozers, and a prisoner van accompanied the police. They quickly destroyed PTI camps in the region using cranes and removed barricades and containers.
پولیس کا عمران خان کی رہائش گاہ پر بدترین کریک ڈاؤن۔
#چلو_چلو_عمران_کے_ساتھ pic.twitter.com/gcNUpOwnEN— PTI (@PTIofficial) March 18, 2023
Dozens of activists were arrested from outside the PTI chair’s house as workers resisted and pelted the police with stones. The police then initiated tear gas shelling to control the workers.
The Zaman Park area has been completely sealed and traffic was closed from Dharmapura to Mall Road. Dolphin personnel were present on the opposite side of the canal road, dressed in civilian clothes.
Agitators seen on CCTV footage and photographs will be arrested, said police.
Identification of workers present in Zaman Park will be conducted and those who attacked Lahore Police and damaged property will be arrested.
Those arrested were transferred to different police stations. Police officials collected plastic bottles, and stones were thrown near Zaman Park and along the canal to potentially use them as evidence against the PTI.
A notice from the Punjab police stated that a search warrant was obtained as per Section 47 of the Criminal Penal Code and a “investigating officer is required to accompany a lady police officer not below the level of Inspector at the time of search of requisite house in compliance with legislation”.
Videos taken to the PTI’s official Twitter account showed police officers using batons to beat party employees and supporters.
“Worst sort of torture is currently taking place in Zaman Park. Will you paint something as an accident again if something happens?” The video has closed captions.
Worst kind of torture in Zaman Park right now. If something happens, will you paint it as accident again!? #چلو_چلو_عمران_کے_ساتھ pic.twitter.com/5S45UDVvMZ
— PTI (@PTIofficial) March 18, 2023
It is worth noting that the Punjab administration and the PTI struck an agreement on rallies, security, and legal issues on Friday.
It was agreed that the PTI will work with the police to carry out warrants and search warrants, as well as to assist in the investigation of cases filed on March 14 and 15.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
