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Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan (photo from June 4, 2021)
Photo: SAIYNA BASHIR / REUTERS
Police in Pakistan have launched an investigation into former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
It's about statements by the politician at a rally on Saturday.
Khan had promised to sue police officers and a judge.
He also claimed that a close associate was tortured after being arrested.
The top politician's confidante has been charged with inciting sedition within Pakistan's powerful military.
On Sunday, the police presented an initial investigation report, which could be followed by a formal charge and arrest.
Khan's PTI party denied the allegations.
They are a "politically motivated step that will lead to further instability in the country".
Khan himself has not yet commented on the process.
The investigation is based on a new anti-terror law.
It was also used under Khan's government to target opposition figures and critics.
Normally, after the investigation report, the next steps are an arrest and questioning by the police.
Khan's supporters threaten to take power
The actions of the authorities could further exacerbate the political tensions in the country with around 220 million inhabitants.
Hundreds of supporters of Khan reportedly gathered in front of his home in Islamabad on Monday, apparently to prevent his possible arrest.
According to Reuters news agency, supporters chanted slogans against current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
"If Imran Khan is arrested, we will take over Islamabad with the power of the people," wrote Ali Amin Gandapur, who was once a minister under Khan, on Twitter.
Apparently, there are no immediate consequences for Khan.
As the AP news agency reported, citing one of Khan's party colleagues, the former prime minister is currently under a court-issued guarantee of protection, according to which he cannot be arrested for the next three days.
The police initially gave no information about a possible arrest.
Since his ouster in April, Khan has organized mass demonstrations on several occasions, taking a stance against his rival Shehbaz Sharif and his coalition government.
In April, the 69-year-old former cricket star Khan was ousted by a vote of no confidence in Pakistan's National Assembly.
The opposition had accused him of economic mismanagement and a devastating foreign policy, and a coalition partner had left his government.
Parliament elected conservative politician Sharif as Khan's successor.
Khan faces a number of allegations.
Pakistan's media regulator banned TV channels from broadcasting Khan's speeches live, claiming he was spreading "hate speech."
Khan suspects a "conspiracy" behind his fall and the actions of the authorities.
He wants to get early parliamentary elections.
Sharif's government, which is struggling with major economic problems in the country, has so far refused to do so.
fek/AP/Reuters/AFP
