LAHORE: Hours after PTI chairman Imran Khan left for the Toshakhana case hearing in the capital on Saturday, Punjab police finally entered his Zaman Park residence and arrested more than 20 party workers.
Police and PTI supporters recently fought pitched battles outside the former prime minister’s house in Lahore, leaving several injured on both sides as the former tried to arrest Khan.
However, a police operation was launched at Imran Khan’s residence this morning to clear the area of camps set up by the party.
“Section 144 is imposed, you are requested to disperse,” police said in an announcement before entering Imran Khan’s residence.
Television footage showed police entering the house after bulldozing the main gate and taking a number of PTI workers into custody.
The police also claimed to have faced direct gunfire and petrol bombs from inside Imran Khan’s residence in retaliation for their operation.
A heavy contingent of police was deployed in the area after an agreement was reached between the administration and the PTI on Friday to conduct the search in Zaman Park.
An anti-terrorism court granted permission to conduct the search at Imran Khan’s residence. “A search warrant will be issued under Section 47 Cr.P.C. and the Incharge Investigation/Investigating Officer is directed to accompany a police officer not below the rank of Inspector at the time of search of a required house in accordance with law.”
During the search, police recovered material used to make Molotov cocktails.
Bushra Begum is alone
Condemning the police action, PTI chief Imran Khan said: “The police raided my house in Zaman Park where Bushra Begum is alone.
“Under what law are they doing this?” he asked.
