Nationwide protests erupt as Pakistan’s ex-premier Khan barred from holding public office

ISLAMABAD (AA) – Thousands of supporters of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan took to streets on Friday to protest against his disqualification by the country’s election authority.

Protest rallies started soon after the Election Commission of Pakistan barred Khan from holding public office for concealing gifts and proceeds from their alleged sale while serving as the prime minister.

The complaint was brought forward by the current ruling coalition known as the Pakistan Democratic Movement.

Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), says the decision will be challenged in a high court.

Demonstrations were held in the capital Islamabad and large urban centres of Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, Peshawar, Karachi, and Quetta.

Clashes were also reported in Rawalpindi as police dispersed protesters trying to enter Islamabad.

In the northwestern city of Peshawar, Khan’s supporters blocked the main motorway, and also set tires on fire to disrupt traffic.

Khan has already vowed to hold a “long march” towards Islamabad, demanding early elections. According to the constitution, national elections are scheduled for October next year.

After the verdict was announced, Khan summoned an emergency party meeting to discuss the future course of action.

The cricketer-turned-politician has staged a series of anti-government rallies since his ouster from power in a no-confidence vote in parliament in April.

This week, he won six of seven National Assembly seats he stood for in by-elections, a vote he called a “referendum on his popularity.”