Lahore: According to a provincial government official, Pakistani police intend to search Imran Khan's home in Lahore on Friday. This operation could spark additional violence as the nation struggles with political and economic instability.
The search operation would be carried out later on Friday, according to Punjab province's information minister Amir Mir, who would be assisted by hundreds of police officers.
We have knowledge that there are approximately 40 terrorists hiding there, so I believe we will require 400 police to search the residence, he said. The allusion was to Khan's supporters who were charged with attacking and damaging military and governmental structures.
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Khan's residence is situated in Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab, in the Zaman Park neighbourhood.
Fighting broke out in the area in March after police attempted to detain the 70-year-old former cricket star for failing to appear in court.
Khan was ultimately detained on May 9 on suspicion of engaging in corrupt practises, which he denies, and later released on court-ordered bail that will expire later this month.
Following his arrest, a wave of violence broke out, leading supporters to attack military installations and other governmental structures.
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Conflict erupted as the 220 million-person South Asian country experienced its worst-ever economic crisis and months-long delays in critical IMF funding needed to avert a balance of payments crisis.
The Punjab government demanded Khan turn over supporters on Wednesday who it claimed were responsible for the assaults on the powerful army and who were hiding in his house.
The authorities could search Khan's home, he has claimed, but only with valid warrants issued by a court. Khan has categorically denied sheltering anyone connected to the violence.
Iftikhr Durrani, Khan's assistant, allowed journalists access to some areas of Khan's Lahore residence on Thursday so they could "look for terrorists."
