Imran Khan: Pakistan police charge ex-PM under terrorism act

Pakistan’s police have charged the country’s former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, under anti-terror laws.

Their investigation comes after he accused the police and judiciary of detaining and torturing his close aide.

Tensions are high in the country, with the former leader’s supporters gathering outside his house vowing to “take over” if he is arrested.

Since being ousted from power in April, Khan has been a vocal critic of the government and the country’s army.

Police announced the charges after the cricketer-turned-politician accused authorities of torturing his close aide, who is himself being detained under sedition charges.

In a public speech on Saturday, Khan condemned Islamabad’s police chief and a female judge for the detention and alleged mistreatment of his party colleague, Shahbaz Gill.

“You should also get ready as we will take action against you,” he said in the speech, referring to the pair directly.

Officials accused Khan of breaching the country’s anti-terrorism act for allegedly making threats against the state officials.

Hundreds of the former prime minister’s supporters gathered outside his home in Islamabad after news of the investigation broke, vowing to “take over” the capital if police tried to detain him.

Police who were present at the scene said they were not there to arrest the former leader, but to maintain law and order.

Agencies