The dramatic arrest deepened the political turmoil in the country, leading to violent demonstrations resulting in at least three deaths and dozens of injuries.
Khan’s supporters even attempted to attack the military’s headquarters in Rawalpindi and the prime minister’s residence in Lahore, but were driven off by baton-wielding police.
Hours before his arrest though, Imran had put out a video message blaming a certain “Dirty Harry” for hatching a plot to kill him.
He emphasised that if something happened to him, “Dirty Harry” would be responsible and “not terrorist or foreign agencies”.
So who is this “Dirty Harry” and what is the connection between him and Imran Khan? Here’s all you need to know …
Who is “Dirty Harry”?
The “Dirty Harry” whom Imran has been referring is Major-General Faisal Naseer, a senior officer of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He is currently serving as Director General, Counter Intelligence. He is the top-grade general of the Pakistani forces and recipient of various laurels and awards, such as Tamgha-i-Basalat and Hilal-e-Shujaat .
Naseer is known as a super spy in military circles as he has played an important role in the war on terror. He is also responsible for the political unit of ISI and domestic security. He is the son of renowned author Shamma Khalid, who was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan.
What Imran Khan is saying about the top ISI officer?
Imran has claimed that Naseer was behind his attempted assassination in November 2022. Khan also alleged that Naseer was involved in the killing of TV anchor Arshad Sharif, who was critical of the Army, and the torture of PTI politician Azam Khan Swati .
“Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)’s Major-General Faisal Naseer tried to kill me twice. He is also involved in the killing of (TV anchor) Arshad Sharif. He also stripped my party Senator Azam Swati naked and inflicted severe torture on him,” Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Khan alleged at a rally in Lahore.
Arshad Sharif, who was critical of the Army, was killed in Kenya last October as he fled the country citing threats to his life from the security agencies. The shooting dead of the investigative journalist by police in Kenya caused outrage in Pakistan.
What has Pakistan army said about Imran’s allegations?
Khan’s allegations were denied by the army, which said they were “highly irresponsible and baseless” and warned him of legal action. The army also said that Khan’s accusations were part of a “consistent pattern” of targeting military and intelligence officials with “sensational propaganda” for political objectives.
Khan was arrested on May 9, 2023, as he appeared in a court in Islamabad to face corruption charges, sparking protests across the country. He is currently in custody at the police headquarters and faces several cases against him.
Who was ‘Dirty Harry’?
“Dirty Harry” was a 1971 American neo-noir action thriller film produced and directed by Don Siegel, starring Clint Eastwood as San Francisco Police Department Inspector “Dirty” Harry Callahan, who hunts down a serial killer named Scorpio. The film was a critical and commercial success and spawned four sequels.
Dirty Harry was a tough and unconventional police officer who often used violent and unethical methods to catch criminals. He is famous for his catchphrase: “Do you feel lucky, punk?”.
(With inputs from agencies)