As attempts to arrest the PTI leader in the Toshakhana case continue, celebrities are rallying behind former prime minister Imran Khan after a night of nationwide violence and protests. Police and Rangers continue their attempts to arrest him for the second day in a row.
Imran had called on PTI staff and supporters to gather around the Zaman Park residence in Lahore to thwart police attempts to arrest him. Among his supporters are many Pakistani celebrities who use social media to express their anger at the situation.
Actor Adnan Siddiqui shared his admiration for Imran’s “support overflow”, calling it “unprecedented” in Pakistan.
Actor Atiqa Odho, who is married to a former PTI MPA, wrote on Instagram that he “prayed for God to protect Imran Khan and help him succeed in his endeavors for Pakistan.” She said that no one deserves to be treated the way they were treated just because they were trying to “break”. [the] shackles of misery for our nation”.
He may not be perfect and he may have many faults, but his heart has always been in the right place and that is why we need to support him in his ordeal. When he speaks, others speak. “To be harassed and punished for being sincere is an injustice that we as citizens of this great country should never accept.”
Actress Maya Ali and YouTuber Shahveer Jafry also expressed their support for Imran and downplaying the situation in the country.
Actor Mariyam Nafees condemned the baton attack and shelling by the Punjab police. “These are your people. These are taxpayers. You work for them,” he wrote on Instagram.
Actress and doctor Fahad Mirza addressed police violence.
Actor and singer Farhan Saeed also spoke about the situation.
“Those who are trying to separate the nation’s favorite leader from the people should know that it will unite the people,” he wrote in another tweet. [against you]. If that’s what they want, that’s another matter. But God has planned something else for our people.”
Zaman Park turned into a conflict area for more than 15 hours during the police attempt to capture Imran. According to the former prime minister, the main purpose of the legal institutions was to “kidnap and kill” him. Supporters and employees of his party blocked law enforcement officers from entering his residence with stones. In response, the police fired tear gas grenades at the protesters. According to authorities, 54 policemen have been “seriously injured” and 32 policemen have been given first aid by Rescue 1122 so far. Many PTI employees were also detained.