Protests erupt across Pakistan following arrest of former prime minister
MILES O'BRIEN. Milancing chaos tearing through Pakistan for a second day in a row, over the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, plunging the nation of some 230 million people and its economy into crisis. At least four people confirmed dead. Dozens more injured. Police sang well over a thousand people arrested, and tonight, no signs that chaos is subsiding. Protesters, supporters of Khan, a former cricket star ousted from office last year, now Pakistan's most popular opposition figure, despite facing multiple corruption charges. It all started Tuesday when Khan was in court for a graft case, then suddenly arrested by paramilitary forces in connection with a different case.
First, they ousted him from power, then they stopped him from campaigning around the country, then they finally tried to assassinate him twice, and now they've arrested him. Pakistan's government alleging Khan gave favors to a real estate tycoon in exchange for land for a university. Now, this is worst kind of corruption, and he did this to gain personal benefits. But Khan's supporters say the military and the government are conspiring to keep him from returning to power. This supporter saying, for Khan, we're willing to lay down our lives. Security forces kept protesters far away from a court hearing today, where Khan was ordered detained for at least another eight days while he urges his supporters to keep up the fight. Khan's lawyer saying his client gave him this message to the nation.
Even if they impose martial law, you have to stand your ground. In cities across Pakistan, police firing tear gas and water cannons at Khan's supporters. The radio Pakistan building set ablaze, while protesters set fires in the streets. This Karachi resident says transportation is shut down, students unable to get to school. He says it's total chaos across the country. The U.S.
embassy in Islamabad has canceled all consular appointments this week and is restricting diplomats travel for their own safety. The State Department now warning Americans in Pakistan to avoid large gatherings and avoid traveling within the country if they can. Tom?.
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