ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, have been blocked in Pakistan, while internet services have been partially suspended in several cities. These actions were taken following the arrest of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman, Imran Khan.
The move was reportedly aimed at curbing propaganda and maintaining law and order in the country amidst protests triggered by Khan’s arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.
Government sources confirmed that the temporary blockage of social media services was implemented to prevent the spread of propaganda and misinformation. Additionally, internet services were also partially suspended in various cities across the country, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and others.
The arrest of Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case sparked widespread protests across Pakistan. In response, the additional chief secretary of Punjab’s home department announced the deployment of Rangers contingents in Lahore and requested the higher authorities to suspend mobile phone services in the area.
Imran Khan’s arrest in Al-Qadir Trust case
Imran Khan was taken into custody by Rangers personnel, acting on a warrant issued by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), during his visit to the Islamabad High Court to seek bail in multiple cases against him. The NAB notice stated that Khan’s warrants had been issued on May 1 by NAB chairman Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmad Butt.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah took to Twitter to comment on the arrest, stating that Imran Khan had failed to appear before the court despite multiple notices. Sanaullah further mentioned that the arrest was carried out by the National Accountability Bureau due to alleged losses inflicted on the national treasury.
In a media statement, the interior minister claimed that concrete evidence against Imran Khan rendered a thorough investigation unnecessary. He alleged that approximately Rs50 billion had been embezzled in relation to the Al-Qadir Trust case and accused former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability, Shahzad Akbar, of fleeing with Rs2 billion.
Initial reports indicate that Imran Khan has been taken to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) office in Rawalpindi for further proceedings.
