- 1440 Daily Digest
Imran Khan Arrested
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested on corruption charges yesterday, intensifying political tensions ahead of an October election. He was taken into custody by a paramilitary group upon arriving at a court hearing in Islamabad, where he faced separate corruption allegations.
The former cricket star was elected in 2018 but faced criticism over corruption and economic issues, leading to a no-confidence vote against him in 2022. Khan opposed the vote, dissolved parliament, and accused his opponents of a politically motivated plot, even suggesting US involvement.
Khan's arrest threatens to worsen the political and economic unrest in Pakistan. While the government denies political motivation and asserts the rule of law, Khan accuses the government of delaying national elections and colluding with the military. Khan remains popular as inflation has risen to above 36% under the new government and as the country seeks an International Monetary Fund bailout.
The arrest sparked violent protests throughout the country. Khan is expected to appear at an anticorruption tribunal today.