Several wounded in Pakistan clashes as police attempt to detain ex-PM Khan

Several people have been wounded as Pakistani police and supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan fought pitched battles outside the former prime minister's home in the eastern city of Lahore.

The clashes erupted as hundreds of the members of opposition leader Khan's Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party gathered outside Khan's Zaman Park house in an upscale area of the city on Tuesday.

Police scuffled with and fired tear gas and water cannons at the PTI workers, who pelted stones at them.

Police hit Khan's supporters in baton charges and lobbed tear gas canisters, some of which landed on the lawns of Khan's house, according to video images released by his party.

Television images showed police approaching Khan's residence accompanied by an armored vehicle. Local Geo TV showed a helicopter hovering over the house, adding that internet connection had been cut in the area.

Islamabad police spokesperson Taqi Jawad said that a police team reached Khan's residence on late Tuesday afternoon with arrest warrants.

Syed Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari, a senior officer in the Islamabad police department, said the police intended to arrest Khan. "We are here to fulfill the warrant and to arrest Imran Khan."

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said, "We will arrest Imran Khan today and present him in court."

Critics say Pakistan's courts are often used to tie up lawmakers in long-winded proceedings rights monitors have criticized for stifling political opposition.

SS