Chinks In Pak Army Ranks As Kin Of Its Former Chief Arrested

Pakistan is on the boil with its economy touching nadir and political situation worsening day by day. But the latest development of a high profile arrest has shown the sharp division within the ranks of its all-powerful Army.

In a significant development, Khadija Shah, the granddaughter of former Pakistan Army Chief Asif Nawaz Jangua, has been arrested for being a "key instigator" in the attack on the Corps Commander House in Lahore following ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan's arrest on May 9.

This would certainly lead to further escalate the internecine war within the Army. Reports are emanating from Pakistan that there is difference of opinion in the Army leadership over the issue of Imran Khan's arrest. It is said that several Brigadier, Colonel and Major level officers have been sacked because they refused to open fire on the protesters.

Shah A PTI Supporter

Professionally a fashion designer, Shah is a vocal supporter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) which Imran Khan heads. Shah, who is also the daughter of former Finance Minister Salman Shah, is among several women who have been detained for their alleged involvement in the series of attacks on military installations.

Shah had been in hiding ever since the law enforcing authorities initiated raids to apprehend her. In a statement, police have confirmed the arrest and labelled her as one of the "main conspirators" behind the May 9 attack on what is known as Jinnah House. "Ms. Shah was brought before the anti-terrorism court in Lahore, where she was sent to jail for an identification parade," read the statement.

Shah has been charged with terrorism-related offences and may face trial under the Army Act, according to police sources. The government has declared that the identification process of over 500 women, who are wanted in connection with the May 9 incidents, has been concluded, resulting in the registration of 138 cases against them.

The law enforcement agencies have nationwide arrested approximately 8,000 individuals, primarily PTI party workers, for their alleged involvement in the violent acts that unfolded following Khan's arrest by paramilitary Rangers in Islamabad.

Travel Ban Imposed

Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has placed the names of more than 700 PTI leaders and activists on a no-fly list. A total of 746 PTI leaders and activists are on the radar of authorities over their alleged involvement in the May 9 riots.

Other than Shah, the prominent names mentioned in the list are PTI leader Shafqat Mahmood, Imran Khan's nephew Hassaan Niazi, PTI supporter Sanam Javed Khan, who got famous after her protests outside Zaman Park, as per a Dawn report.