- Canadian politicians voice concerns on the events relating to Imran Khan’s arrest
- Federal Members of Parliament have released statements regarding the violent arrest of Imran Khan
- Mayor of the City of Brampton, Patrick Brown has stated that elections must never be circumvented
May 9, 2023 – Mississauga | MainstreamCanadian.ca – Imran Khan, a former cricketing hero who turned to politics and served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister, was arrested on Tuesday. He gained significant public support in the face of high inflation and a severe economic downturn, but was eventually removed from office last year.
Footage that emerged on social media accounts indicate that Imran Khan’s arrest was unexpected and he was dragged out of the court by paramilitary troops. The arrest on Tuesday, as Imran Khan appeared in Islamabad High Court (on a wheelchair) to face corruption allegations, is the latest twist in a months-long political crisis and follows several unsuccessful attempts to apprehend the cricketing legend who enjoys not only massive support in Pakistan, but globally as well.
Meanwhile in Canada, Members of Parliament began voicing their concerns relating to the developments in Pakistan.
Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre, Salma Zahid took to Twitter and stated, “The violent arrest of former PM Imran Khan is unacceptable. He was in a courthouse and could have been peacefully served with a warrant. He should be released on bail pending an open airing of the charges against him by a free and independent court.”
She further stated, “I will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. Justice must prevail. And I again make clear I believe Pakistan’s next government should be decided in a free and open democratic process by the people of Pakistan, and no one else.“
Iqra Khalid, member of Parliament from Mississauga tweeted her concerns as well and stated, “Deeply concerned by the arrest of former PM Imran Khan. Democracy, rule of law & rights of the people are pillars of a just society & must be protected….”
US Congressman Brad Sharman called for “Imran Khan to be live-streamed so people know he is safe, and for him to have access to attorneys and family.”
Liberal MP from Milton Adam van Koeverden expressed concerns over the violent arrest of former PM Imran Khan.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown who just returned from a trip to Pakistan, where he met with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, also expressed his concerns over the arrest and stated, “The government and military should listen. Democracy, the rule of law & the rights of the people are pillars of a just society & must be protected.“
Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated, “important to meet with colleagues about the situation in Pakistan and concerns being expressed by our constituents. I will take those concerns to Global Affairs Canada.“
Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office raised concerns about the escalating clashes and suspension of mobile internet activities across Pakistan.
International reaction is pouring in, and former musician Cat Stevens, now Yusuf, also took to Twitter and called this arrest unjustified.
Meanwhile, protests continue across Pakistan, and people have taken to streets in London, England, and similar protests taking place in Canada as well. In Mississauga, thousands gathered to demonstrate their concerns relating to the events in Pakistan.
Updated May 10, 2023
Massive demonstration in Mississauga, Canada in support of Imran Khan
