(MENAFN- Khaama Press) Pakistani police on Tuesday used a water cannon and tear gas to disperse PTI supporters gathered outside Imran Khan's Zaman Park residence in Lahore, sources reported. Police vehicles arrived outside Zaman Park residence with the intention of arresting party chief Imran Khan, however, senior police officials refrained from commenting about the case in which they were acting against the PTI chairman.
Footage from the scene showed that police slowly approached the residence behind an armored vehicle that was dispersing Imran Khan's supporters with a water cannon. Also, supporters could be seen throwing stones at the policemen.
Following Imran Khan's persistent absence from hearing in the Toshakhana case, on Monday, the Islamabad district and sessions court issued arrest warrants for Imran Khan. The court has ordered police to present the former premier in court by March 18.
It is reported that policemen have even directed tear gas inside Khan's house in Lahore. During the chaos, it emerged that Islamabad Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shahzad Bukhari - who is leading the police team - had been injured.
Following the clash at Zaman Park, PTI's Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke to the media, saying he had come to talk to Islamabad DIG Operations.
“He says he came with an arrest warrant [but] I'm requesting him to not ruin the situation,” he said, adding that the PTI wanted to remain peaceful and did not want bloodshed.
Amid security concerns and economic challenges, Imran Khan's supporters have been taking to the streets in different parts of Pakistan over a couple of weeks, calling on the coalition government to hold elections as soon as possible.
Pakistan's government pushes to arrest Imran Khan on charges of the Toshakhana case, whereas, PTI leaders emphasize that Khan has been granted protective bail and questioned how police could want to arrest him.
It is believed the Pakistani government is under pressure from the PTI political party more than any other opposition group, which is why Khan's supporters have already clashed with the police several times in the recent past.
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