Pakistan. This country has experienced much political turmoil since independence from Britain in 1947. But recently this year, a chain of arrests and court cases took place. Why? Let's find out.
The former Prime Minister, former cricket star, and current Pakistani Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party leader Imran Khan has taken the brunt of the attack. It all started when he was going to be removed from his PM position by the Parliament in April. In retaliation, he tried to dismantle the opposing side of the legislation. The act was rejected, and he was ultimately ousted via a no-confidence vote.
Then, on May 9, he was charged by the Pakistan National Accountability Bureau. He was charged with many wrongdoings, including working with terrorists and dealing in corruption. Then when he went to the Islamabad High Court to plead his case, he was dragged away from the building and arrested by what looked to be an army of paramilitary troops. The court reacted by saying it was wrong for a person to be dragged out without having the chance to plead his case. In addition, many of his followers have been protesting against the arrest. The Pakistani military claims two people went violent and destroyed some military property. Investigations are progressing, and 33 suspects have been handed over to the military for trial. Imran Khan was released on May 11, but he and his party members have been repeatedly threatened. In response, many politicians involved with the PTI have quit their jobs.
Who knows what will happen in the immediate future? Only time will tell.
By Mihir Gupta
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