The World Briefly
August 23, 2022Upping The Ante
Pakistan
|
Listen to Today's Edition
 |
Pakistani police filed terrorism charges against former Prime Minister Imran Khan this week, a move that could further inflame political tensions in the country as the ousted leader seeks to return to power, NBC News reported Monday.
The charges come a few days after Khan held a speech in the capital where he vowed to sue the police and a judge. The former leader is accused of threatening the officials and could face years in prison if found guilty.
Even so, security forces have not detained Khan and online videos have shown thousands of his supporters have been surrounding his home to prevent police from arresting him. His party, Tehreek-e-Insaf, warned that it will hold nationwide rallies if Khan is arrested.
Khan has been holding rallies against the new government of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif since he was voted out of office in April.
At the time, lawmakers approved a no-confidence vote against the embattled leader, with the opposition accusing him of economic mismanagement as Pakistan’s currency plummeted and inflation soared.
The former prime minister alleged – without providing evidence – that the Pakistani military participated in a US-led plot to oust him from power. He said that his removal came after he denied the US from having military bases in Pakistan.
Sharif’s government and military officials have denied the allegations.
Not already a subscriber?
If you would like to receive DailyChatter directly to your inbox each morning, subscribe below with a free two-week trial.
Support journalism that’s independent, non-partisan, and fair.
If you are a student or faculty with a valid school email, you can sign up for a FREE student subscription or faculty subscription.
Questions? Write to us at hello@dailychatter.com.