Political Tensions Escalate as Imran Khan's Party Faces Crackdown

Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq suspended five security officials after the arrest of opposition lawmakers from Imran Khan’s party inside Parliament. The action sparked discontent among government allies, raising concerns about escalating political tensions. PTI, facing legal challenges and police confrontations, announced a boycott of parliamentary proceedings.

Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has suspended five security officials following the arrest of opposition lawmakers from Imran Khan's party inside the Parliament building. The crackdown, involving plain-clothed officers, drew sharp criticism from even coalition government members.

Sadiq, from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), took action after officials allegedly entered the Parliament to arrest lawmakers, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Gohar Ali Khan. The move angered allies like the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), who warned of escalating tensions.

Following an inquiry, suspensions were issued to Sergeant-at-Arms Muhammad Ishfaq Ashraf and four other security officials. PTI's rally in Islamabad and clashes with police have added to the party's woes. PTI's Gohar Khan, recently released, spoke out against the arrests, calling them an attack on democracy and threatened legal action.

(With inputs from agencies.)