Imran Khan protests raise fear of return to martial law

As schools and universities shutter, teachers and pupils worry over the future

Pakistani police officers throw stones towards supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan during clashes in Islamabad. AP

A motorway leading into Islamabad is blocked by supporters of Mr Khan as they protest against his arrest. AFP

Mr Khan's supporters protest outside Avenfield House, the home of former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif, in London. Bloomberg

Nawaz Sharif is the brother of current Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Bloomberg

Policewomen detain a supporter of Mr Khan in Karachi during a protest against his arrest. AFP

A security officer stands near tear gas fired during clashes with supporters of Mr Khan in Lahore. EPA

The Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar was set on fire during the protests. EPA

A satellite image shows heavy security around police headquarters in Islamabad after Mr Khan's arrest. Reuters

A car set on fire in Peshawar by supporters of Mr Khan during a protest. AP

Mr Khan, 71, was expected to attend a hearing. AP

The government shut down Twitter, Facebook and YouTube across much of the country after the arrest. EPA

Authorities suspended the right of assembly in capital Islamabad and throughout Mr Khan's native province of Punjab. EPA

The shell of a bus set on fire during protests in Karachi. Reuters

The debris of a check point set on fire by Mr Khan's supporters in Karachi. Reuters

Motorcycles were also set on fire by Khan supporters. Reuters

A protest against Mr Khan's arrest outside the High Commission for Pakistan in London. Reuters

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party activists protest against the arrest of their leader in Islamabad. AFP

A paramilitary checkpoint burnt down during a protest in Karachi. Reuters

An officer fires a tear gas shell at Mr Khan's supporters in Karachi. EPA

A supporter of Mr Khan is arrested in Karachi. EPA

The Radio Pakistan premises after it was set on fire during clashes between police and Khan supporters in Peshawar. EPA

A burning police vehicle during a protest. Reuters

Plain-clothes police officers beat a Khan supporter during a protest in Peshawar. AP

A supporter of Mr Khan participates in a protest against his arrest in Peshawar. Reuters

Policemen retreat after firing tear gas shells towards supporters of Mr Khan protesting against his arrest in Karachi. AFP

Supporters of Mr Khan block a road during a protest against his arrest. AFP

Mr Khan sits in Islamabad's High Court moments before paramilitary troops entered and arrested him. Reuters

Mr Khan is taken into a vehicle by police as they arrest him. Reuters

Pakistani paramilitary troops walk to the court where Mr Khan is appearing in Islamabad. AP

Mr Khan's lawyer receives medical attention after he was injured during his client's arrest. Reuters

Security personnel escort a car carrying Mr Khan as he arrives at the court. AFP

The guards apparently protected Mr Khan, seen sitting in a wheelchair, from protesters. He was later arrested. AFP

Mr Khan is protected with bullet proof shields. AFP

Mr Khan's party said he was arrested on what they claim are politically-motivated charges. AFP

Violent protests across Pakistan this week have stoked fears that a state of emergency or martial law may be declared by the country’s powerful military.

Demonstrations were sparked by former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest on Tuesday when he appeared at the Islamabad High Court on corruption charges.

On Wednesday, the former cricketer and head of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was indicted on charges of selling state gifts during his time in office.

In another case, he stands accused of accepting millions of dollars worth of property in exchange for providing benefits to a property tycoon.

A judge gave authorities the right to hold him for up to eight days.

Advocate of the Supreme Court Shabir Gigyani told The National that officials had made a mistake by arresting Mr Khan on high court premises.

He said the autonomous anti-corruption agency that arrested Mr Khan, the National Accountability Bureau, cannot arrest a suspect without proper notice.

Fear of a return to martial law

Mr Khan's arrest set off skirmishes between his supporters and police in several cities that left at least six people dead, and his continued detention raised the prospect of more unrest.

Angry protesters stormed a radio station in the north-west on Wednesday while Khan supporters clashed with police in the capital of Islamabad.

All government and private schools as well as universities were closed on Wednesday as protests escalated.

"The kind of protests that broke out can’t continue for long,” Mr Gigyani said. “If they do, they would push the country towards martial law or a state of emergency."

The provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have asked the federal government to send troops to control the situation.

“If the armed forces were present on the streets and check-posts now, they’re coming on the front line, which is a clear indication of martial law or state emergency," Mr Gigyani said.

Pakistani army chief General Pervez Musharraf declared martial law in 1999. Photo: Muzammil Pasha

Experts say that Pakistan's current situation differs significantly from its previous experiences with martial law.

Martial law has been imposed four times in Pakistan. The first took place for two months immediately after the country’s independence in 1947.

Later iterations latest much longer.

In 1958, General Ayub Khan was declared martial administrator until 1971.

A further 11 years of martial law followed the country's 1977 elections, then in 1999, Gen Pervez Musharaf took control of the country and declared himself president until 2008.

“The circumstances now are quite different from those in the 70s, when international factors played a role and the country had a stable economy and was in a position of power,” veteran journalist Muhammad Riaz Khan said.

Pakistan is currently facing economic and political instability, along with a new wave of terrorism affecting the country, Mr Riaz added.

During the 1970s, there were political disputes between different parties, and when martial law was enacted, people welcomed the armed forces by throwing flowers.

However, this time around, the military is not in such a strong position..

Mr Riaz does not believe martial law will be enacted. Instead, the armed forces will only enforce laws and work to calm the situation.