Government: Pakistan imposes a travel ban on ex-PM Khan

The government of Pakistan has imposed a travel ban on former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and hundreds of his party members are also affected, as two border control officials told the German Press Agency.

The decision comes a few weeks after the popular opposition leader’s temporary arrest, which sparked nationwide riots.

On May 9, Khan was taken away from a court in Islamabad to a great deal of attention. His followers then stormed several military buildings. The politician was eventually released on bail by order of the Supreme Court. Another arrest of the former cricket star is not excluded. Several supporters are now facing trials before military courts, which human rights organizations have criticized. After the riots, numerous politicians announced their withdrawal from Khan’s PTI party, and thousands of supporters were arrested. Government officials are also considering a ban on PTI.

Since Pakistan was founded more than 75 years ago, there have been repeated unrests in the South Asian country. Attacks against the powerful military count as a red line. Khan had repeatedly accused generals of being involved in a conspiracy against him since his ouster as prime minister.

During his tenure from 2018 to 2022, Khan also imposed travel bans on several opposition politicians. Since he was overthrown by a vote of no confidence, the judiciary has repeatedly accused him of corruption, money laundering and insulting a judge. Observers see political reasons for this. The 70-year-old is hoping for a political comeback in view of the parliamentary elections in the autumn.