Pakistan military denies imposing martial law amid unrest

The recent political turmoil in Pakistan was triggered by the arrest of Imran Khan, the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which led to violent protests and attacks on army installations. The Islamabad High Court provided temporary relief to Khan by barring authorities from arresting him until May 15, after which the government said it could arrest him "if need be." Khan's criticism of the army chief, General Asim Munir, has been strongly condemned by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the military's top spokesperson, Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. There were reports of disunity among the ranks of the Pakistan army, and several Brigadier, Colonel and Major level officers were reportedly sacked for refusing to open fire at PTI protestors and Imran Khan supporters. However, Chaudhry refuted allegations of the imposition of martial law in the country and reiterated the army's support for democracy.