Pakistan prime minister says those involved in violence of Khan detention will face terrorism trials

Pakistan’s prime minister stated Saturday that aggressive protesters would be prosecuted in anti-terrorism tribunals after Imran Khan’s imprisonment.

Shahbaz Sharif’s remarks signaled an escalation in the government’s conflict with Khan, who has a significant following.

After a judge ordered him released for two weeks, Khan returned to Lahore early Saturday. A year after parliament ousted him, the 70-year-old former cricket great intended to give a broadcast speech from his house Saturday.

Khan was arrested Tuesday in Islamabad after being pulled from a courthouse. His supporters burned automobiles and military sites to protest his incarceration. Hundreds were arrested afterward.

Khan was released on Friday, but he faces almost 100 court prosecutions for fomenting unrest and corruption. Khan said Friday that authorities only let him travel when he threatened to reveal he was being kept against his will.

Sharif vowed to pursue those who burned the military corps commander’s Lahore home on Saturday.

He informed Lahore officials that anti-terrorism tribunals will try the planners, abettors, and assailants. Sharif instructed the Law Ministry to expand anti-terrorism courts to accelerate trials.

Khan accuses the government that removed him of politically motivated charges. Sharif claims Khan has a “genuine corruption case,” but “the judiciary has become a stone wall protecting him.”

Khan’s arrest was followed by violent riots nationwide. Baton-wielding demonstrators entered the military’s general headquarters’ main gate in Rawalpindi’s garrison city.

In Peshawar, demonstrators burned Radio Pakistan and Associated Press of Pakistan’s headquarters.

On Saturday, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that armed assailants attacked military posts and government institutions, not spontaneous protesters.

Khan is popular across Pakistan. He portrays himself as a victim of the military and political dynasties. Opponents label him a corrupt demagogue inciting violence.