Islamabad on high alert amid rumours of Imran Khan assassination plot: reports

Pakistan’s security agencies are on high alert amid rumours of a plot to assassinate former Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to reports in various Indian media outlets. 

Islamabad police tweeted that security will be bolstered in the country’s capital in the wake of his expected visit, and have imposed a curfew banning large gatherings in the city. 

In view of the expected arrival of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in Bani Gala, security around Bani Gala has been strengthened and placed on high alert. However, until now Islamabad Police has not received any confirmed news of return from Imran Khan's team. 1/3

— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) June 4, 2022

“In view of the expected arrival of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in Bani Gala, security around Bani Gala has been strengthened and  placed on high alert,” they said.  

Hassaan Niazi, Imran Khan’s nephew and youth leader in his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf  party, in a tweet said: “Anything happens to our leader Imran Khan, will be treated as attack on Pakistan.”

Anything happens to our leader Imran Khan, will be treated as attack on pakistan. Response will aggressive - the Handlers will also regret.

— Hassaan Niazi (@HniaziISF) June 4, 2022

Khan came to power in 2018, voted in by an electorate weary of the dynastic politics of the country's two major parties.

The former cricketer, who was backed by Pakistan’s powerful military, had promised to sweep away decades of entrenched corruption and cronyism but is believed to have fallen out with Pakistan's generals.

He was ousted from power in early April this year and replaced with the current government led by Shehbaz Sharif as the country plunged into a dire economic situation.

Khan has attended several massive rallies across the country to protest his removal, and continues to claim that western states, including the United States, conspired with members of the current government to remove him from office. 

He still retains mass support among Pakistanis, especially among the youth of the country.