Why the arrest of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan could push the country into chaos
PBS NewsHourDec 26, 2022
The Facts
On Friday, Pakistani police reported that human rights activist and lawyer Jibran Nasir had returned home safely after being abducted on Thursday. It's not yet known who was behind the kidnapping.
Nasir's wife said that while driving home in the southern city of Karachi, the two were stopped by "at least 15" armed individuals in civilian clothing who "told [him] to get out of the car," abducting him.
The Spin
Narrative A
While both the government and the opposition have expressed concerns over this news, the timing of Nasir's abduction is troubling. The Pakistani government has used abduction as a tool of repression before, which makes this seem like the ruling regime is going beyond former PM Imran Khan and his party members and starting to disappear independent journalists and other government critics.
Narrative B
As shown by the sadness expressed by his family and journalists, as well as the Prime Minister's office, Jibran Nasir's abduction sent shockwaves throughout the country. Everyone, from pro-government officials to fierce opposition journalists, came together to call for a thorough investigation, which has seen his safe return. It's now time to find the culprits behind this crime.
