By Neelam Rahim

The Pakistani police charged Imran Khan under anti-terror law days after the former prime minister attacked the police and a judicial officer at a massive rally in Islamabad’s capital.

The police case comes a day after the country’s top media regulatory body imposed a ban on Khan’s speeches for “spreading hate speech” against “state institutions and officers”, escalating political tensions in the country.

In discussion with Radio Islam International is Dost Muhammad Barrech, former Research Associate at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and Umar Shariff, an Indian-based political analyst.

According to Dost Muhammad, Imran’s political party leader Shahbaz Gill was imprisoned before the allegations. He was tortured and sexually abused during his incarceration, yet the judge, Zeba Chaudhry, stayed silent. After that, he gave out casted remarks against the judge.

As per Pakistan’s judicial, such remarks from a renowned leader, Imran Khan, will move the country towards chaos.

The allegation against Imran Khan, saying that a terrorist act has been done, Umar said anything he has spoken could not amount to a terrorist act.

“Terrorist is to attack people based on their ethnic, language and racial or even religious differences.”

He further stated it’s more like a political vendetta and something not new to Pakistani soil.

Meanwhile, Dos Muhammad said Imran Khan is amongst the most followed leaders of the world digitally, with 14 million followers on Twitter, 10 million followers on Facebook and 5 million followers on Instagram.

“He is popular amongst the youngsters and middle class. Therefore the judiciary and other important constitutions of Pakistan were very concerned about his provocative remarks. He is believed to be moving the country as he has huge support,” says Dos Muhammad.

In response to questions asked by Radio Islam, Umar said the Pakistani military is always kept in check and anything that might repeat history can happen.

He added there is still the belief that things can happen through democratic means and should not go to dirty politics and vendetta games.

Listen to the interview on Radio Islam’s podcast below.