Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Pakistan detains hundreds of Khan's party members in crackdown
Pakistani authorities have arrested nearly 280 members of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's political party in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following an emergency declaration. The mass detentions mark an escalation in the government's response to the opposition movement.
LSN Malaysia ·
Pakistani security forces have detained 278 members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province since Sunday, when an emergency was declared in the region. The arrests represent a significant intensification of efforts to suppress the opposition party founded by Khan, who was ousted as prime minister in April 2022.
The detentions come amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan, with the PTI having mobilised mass demonstrations against the current government. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a northwestern province bordering Afghanistan, has been a stronghold of support for Khan's party, making it a focal point for recent enforcement actions.
Authorities have not yet disclosed specific charges against those detained, though the action follows the provincial emergency declaration. The crackdown underscores the deepening political divide in the country as Khan's PTI continues to challenge the incumbent administration.
The arrests reflect broader restrictions on opposition activity in Pakistan in recent months, with government critics and party activists facing increased legal pressure. PTI leaders have previously condemned what they characterise as politically motivated prosecution and denial of democratic rights.