Pikastan in Political Turmoil... "Regional Police Chief Kidnapped by Assailants"

Kidnappers Demand Arrest Warrants for Opposition Figures
Opposition Suspects Possible Involvement of Pakistan Military
Pakistan Faces Daily Protests Amid Economic Crisis

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Amid escalating anti-government protests, the head of the provincial police in Pakistan was kidnapped and then released by a paramilitary group. Because the kidnappers' demand was the arrest of opposition leaders, suspicions have even been raised that the military may have intervened to maintain the current regime.

Opposition supporters participating in anti-government protests [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to Bloomberg on the 21st (local time), Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar, the police chief of Sindh province in the south, was kidnapped by assailants on the 19th and later released. According to the opposition, the assailants forced Mahar to sign an order to arrest opposition leader Muhammad Safdar Awan.

The opposition suspects that the military was behind the kidnapping and intimidation of Chief Mahar. Awan is currently the husband of Maryam Nawaz, who leads the major opposition party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The Pakistan military supports the current Prime Minister Imran Khan. However, with recent intensified anti-government protests, the regime is facing a crisis. It is believed that the military has mobilized the police to arrest opposition figures.

Currently, the opposition parties in Pakistan are holding nationwide protests demanding relief from food shortages, rising prices, and a ban on military political interference.

Pakistan has long suffered under military dictatorship. Imran Khan, a former cricket player, is known to have the support of the military. Although Khan is a civilian leader, the influence of the Pakistan military within the current regime is reported to be increasing.

Awan, who was previously arrested, has been released on bail by court order. However, in Pakistan, arrests of journalists and opposition figures continue on charges of criticizing the military and others.

Regarding this, both the military and police have not made any statements. However, the military has announced that it will conduct a related investigation. It is also reported that Chief Mahar has instructed his police officers not to take leave until the investigation into this incident is completed.