Paramilitary troops arrested former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan during a court appearance on Tuesday, sparking protests and complicating an already-fragile political situation in the country.
Supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan throw stones toward police during a protest against the arrest of Khan, in Karachi, Pakistan, May 9, 2023.
Fareed Khan/AP
A dramatic and chaotic scene unfolded in Pakistan on Tuesday. Paramilitary troops in riot gear broke into the compound of a judicial court in the capital, Islamabad. Inside, former Prime Minister and cricket star Imran Khan was facing corruption allegations. Troops arrested and dragged him from the courtroom, then led him by the arm to a black bus and drove away.
The drama has raised serious concerns that an already shaky political situation in Pakistan has just gotten a lot worse. The arrest prompted thousands of his supporters to storm the official residence of the top regional commander in Lahore.
Khan remains the country’s leading opposition figure after being ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022.
To discuss the latest developments, The World's host Marco Werman spoke to Fahd Humayun, who is from Pakistan and teaches South Asian politics at Tufts University.
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. AP contributed to this report.
Related: Hazara community demands justice for slain coal miners in Pakistan
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