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Attack on the Corps Commander House, Lahore

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Corps Commander House attack
Date9 May 2023
LocationLahore, Pakistan
Typedamage to premises
Motiveunder investigation but coincides with the arrest of Imran Khan
TargetCorps Commander House, Lahore Corps
Perpetratorunder investigation

On 9 May 2023, the Corps Commander House Lahore was attacked by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protestors in response to the arrest of Imran Khan on the same day.[1]

Background

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In 2018, the PTI won the general election and formed the government in Pakistan.[2] In 2022, the PTI government was ousted from power in a no-confidence motion.[3] Imran Khan first held US responsible for derailment of his government but later he blamed military establishment for conspiring against him. This led to widespread protests and social media campaign by PTI supporters against the Pakistan Army and ISI.[4][5]

Incident

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The incident was condemned by the government and the military.[6] The PTI party was accused of inciting violence but denied getting involved. Khan and party leaders have urged for an independent judicial commission to investigate.[7] However, several thousand PTI leaders and members were arrested in connection with the incident raising human rights concerns.[8]

Aftermath

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Following the violence, the government started cracking down on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters. Several PTI leaders were arrested. Human Rights watchdogs as well as parliaments in various countries have expressed over the arrests and trial by military courts.[9]

Imran Khan's arrest and the following political uncertainty and human rights abuses had a negative impact on Pakistan's economy. The stock market crashed and the rupee lost value. Foreign investors also became wary of investing in Pakistan.[10] Pakistan runs the risk of losing preferential treatment in trade as a result of government's crackdown on the opposition. [11]

Many PTI leaders left the party under duress and condemned the 9 May violent attacks on Corps Commander House and demoralization of martyrs' memorials.[12][13]

Controversy

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On 9 May 2023, Imran Khan was arrested, stirring nationwide violence.[14] During the ensuing violence, the building and its contents were damaged. The official government and the ex-Prime Minister claims of the causes and culprits behind the violence are in disagreement with each other.[citation needed]

Government claims

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According to a press release from Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of Pakistan Army, Khan's arrest was legal. Immediately after the arrest, an organized plan was carried out to attack property and installations of the army, while chanting slogans against the forces. The army observed extreme patience, prudence, and restraint.[15]

Imran Khan's claims

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In an interview with Fareed Zakaria, the former prime minister Imran Khan claimed that the incident of damages, arson and violence were a reaction and possibly a conspiracy.[16] In various other video presentations, he also claimed that security apparatus was also involved in the incitement if not carrying out of the arson and violence.[17]

References

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  1. ^ Multiple references:
    • "Corps Commander House attack: Police take Khadija Shah into custody". www.thenews.com.pk.
    • Malik, Mansoor (11 May 2023). "Attack on Corps Commander's House: Audio leaks suggest PTI leadership was on board". DAWN.COM.
    • "Ex-PTI MPA among 16 handed over to army for trial". The Express Tribune. 25 May 2023.
    • Correspondent, Digital (23 May 2023). "'Prime suspect' in the Corps Commander House attack, Khadija Shah, is apprehended". {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
    • Sheikh, Saleem (24 May 2023). "Investigations reveal PTI leaders were in touch with Corps Commander House rioters". Aaj English TV.
    • "GHQ attacked, Lahore corps commander house set on fire by PTI protesters". The Nation. 10 May 2023.
  2. ^ "Pakistan election 2018 results: Imran Khan's PTI emerges largest party with 116 seats". The Indian Express. 28 July 2018.
  3. ^ "Pakistan PM Imran Khan gone after losing no-confidence vote". Al Jazeera. 9 April 2022.
  4. ^ "Imran Khan claims there's a US conspiracy against him. Why do so many Pakistanis believe him?". CNN. 27 May 2022.
  5. ^ "Imran Khan's U-turn: No longer blaming US for his ouster as PM". Al Jazeera. 14 November 2022.
  6. ^ "Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan". ispr.gov.pk. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  7. ^ Gul, Imtiaz (8 June 2023). "Khan picks another fight with Pakistan's body politic". East Asia Forum.
  8. ^ "'Deeply Concerned', Pakistan Human Rights Commission on random arrests of PTI workers". Firstpost. 15 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  9. ^ "In letter to PM Trudeau, 16-Canadian MPs raise alarms about 'worst HR crisis' in Pakistan". 20 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  10. ^ "Pakistan rupee, bonds fall to new low after Imran Khan arrest". Reuters. 10 May 2023.
  11. ^ "Pakistan under EU scanner over rights situation for preferential trade scheme GSP ". Pakistan Defence. 25 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  12. ^ "Why have dozens of leaders quit Imran Khan's party in Pakistan?". Al Jazeera. 24 May 2023.
  13. ^ "Imran terminates membership of those who left PTI". The Express Tribune. 25 May 2023.
  14. ^ "Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrested, stirring nationwide violence". Reuters. 9 May 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  15. ^ "Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan". ispr.gov.pk (Press release). Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  16. ^ Chairman PTI Imran Khan's Exclusive Interview on CNN with Fareed Zakaria @CNN, 21 May 2023, retrieved 23 May 2023
  17. ^ 🔴 LIVE | Chairman PTI Imran Khan's Exclusive Twitter Space Session | #TwitterSpaceWithIK, 22 May 2023, retrieved 23 May 2023


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