Pakistan: Imran Khan Arrested In Another Case Hours After Being Granted Bail In Toshakhana Corruption Case

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned in Rawalpindi's high-security Adiala Jail, faced a setback on Wednesday (20 November) as he was arrested in a new case just hours after being granted bail in the Toshakhana corruption case.

The Islamabad High Court granted bail to Khan in the Toshakhana case, where he was accused of acquiring an expensive Bulgari jewelry set at a significantly reduced price. The bail raised hopes of his release, but within hours, Rawalpindi Police arrested him in a separate case registered under terrorism and other charges.

According to police, the new case stems from allegations that Khan called for a protest on 28 September while still in custody at Adiala Jail. The protest allegedly violated government restrictions and led to obstruction of police operations and damage to police vehicles.

Rawalpindi Police arrested him under the Anti-Terrorism Act following an investigation. Federal Information Minister Ata Tarar stated that Khan remains entangled in numerous legal battles, with bail yet to be granted in at least eight cases related to violent incidents in May 2023.

Furthermore, over two dozen additional cases are registered against him across Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The Islamabad High Court also addressed a hearing in the £190 million case against Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, at Adiala Jail.

The court noted that both had failed to respond to its queries during proceedings. Additionally, the court dismissed a petition filed by Khan's sister, Noorin Niazi, which sought bail for him in all pending cases.

Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have repeatedly claimed that the cases against him are politically motivated. They argue that the legal actions are part of a broader campaign to target and weaken him ahead of potential elections.

Khan, who has been incarcerated for over a year, faces mounting legal challenges as his political career remains under threat. His repeated arrests and the sheer number of cases against him highlight the ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan, with critics pointing to a crackdown on opposition leaders.