New Delhi: Pakistani celebrities from Farhan Saeed to Adnan Siddiqui are rallying in support of former prime minister Imran Khan, after the police tried to arrest him in the Toshakhana case. And their platform is not Zaman Park but social media.
Celebs batted for thier ‘Kaptaan’ whose arrest they say is a ‘sham’ and will lead to ‘uniting the country’.
Among his celebrity supporters is actor and singer Farhan Saeed, who called out Pakistani actors and cricketers for double standards.
“When @ImranKhanPTI became PM, all the actors, players were so quick to congratulate him, even go and meet him, today either they have changed their opinion about him which is fair enough, they have all the right or they’re scared to speak which is worrisome,” he said in a tweet.
Actor Adnan Siddiqui wrote that ‘Such an outpouring of support for a leader is unprecedented in the history of (the) country’.
It's incredible to witness people from all walks of life coming together with a shared sense of purpose, fueled by their passion and dedication. Such an outpouring of support for a leader is unprecedented in the history of our country #PeoplePower #PTIfamily
— Adnan Siddiqui (@adnanactor) March 15, 2023
The drama has been unfolding at Khan’s residence in Zaman Park since 2pm on Tuesday (March 14) when a contingent of Islamabad police officers landed up to arrest him. It’s become a battleground with Khan’s supporters and PTI party members clashing with the police. For now, the Lahore High Court has stopped the police.
“He may not be perfect and has many faults but his heart has always been in the right place for which we must support him through his ordeals,” Atiqa Odho, a Pakistani film and TV actress, posted on Instagram.
Facing arrest
Pakistan’s coalition government, led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), filed a case against Imran Khan in August 2022, accusing him of not disclosing information on gifts presented to Pakistan’s government-owned Toshakhana.
It is alleged that Khan failed to include the proceeds from the sale of the gifts in his annual statement of assets and liabilities, which is required by the Election Commission of Pakistan for all legislators.
Actor Fahad Mirza shared a story on his Instagram, where he wrote that he was “convinced that the (arrest) was a scam”. “The real intent is to abduct Imran Khan and poison him.”
It’s something Khan himself has said in the past. He claimed that the law enforcement services’ true purpose was to “abduct & assassinate” him.
Clearly "arrest" claim was mere drama because real intent is to abduct & assassinate. From tear gas & water cannons, they have now resorted to live firing. I signed a surety bond last evening, but the DIG refused to even entertain it. There is no doubt of their mala fide intent. pic.twitter.com/5LZtZE8Ies
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 15, 2023
Khan’s supporters prevented law enforcement officers from approaching his home by pelting them with stones. The police responded by firing tear gas shells.
Not the first time
Many celebs had earlier voiced out their support when Khan was ousted as PM on 8 March 2022. Celebrities had shown solidarity by joining PTI supporters as well in their protests both online and individually.
Meanwhile, Khan tweeted a video message before his anticipated arrest, asking the people of Pakistan to continue fighting for their rights. “The police have come to arrest me…They think that if I am in jail, the country will go to sleep. You have to prove them wrong. That this country is alive… You have to come out of your homes. I am fighting for you.”
And a swathe of celebrities have responded. “Kaptaan standing with you always and forever,” wrote actor Maya Ali on Instagram.
(Edited by Prashant)