Imran Khan 'confesses to ordering protest outside GHQ' ahead of his arrest

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has confessed to calling for a protest outside the army headquarters in Rawalpindi before his arrest.

According to Geo News, speaking to journalists during a hearing inside Adiala Jail, the former prime minister admitted, “I had given a call for holding a peaceful protest outside the General Headquarters (GHQ) before my arrest.” He added that police and Rangers attacked his house in Zaman Park, Lahore, on March 14, and again forcibly entered his house on March 18.

Khan recounted that on March 18, law enforcers stormed his residence, coinciding with heavy shelling inside and outside the Judicial Complex during his court appearance. He recalled fierce clashes between his supporters and security personnel during his appearance before Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal last year, when he had claimed the government intended to either assassinate or arrest him.

On March 18, understanding he would be arrested, Khan called for a peaceful protest in front of the army's headquarters. He stated his counsels assured him they would cooperate with the investigation and surrender for arrest.

In response to a question, the 71-year-old former premier remarked that martial law was preferable to a technocratic regime, but noted that an “unannounced martial law” already existed in the country.

On July 15, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore approved a 10-day physical remand of Khan in connection with the violent protests of May 9, 2023. He attended the hearing via video link on Monday in ATC judge Arshad Nadeem's courtroom.