Imran Khan calls for nationwide protests
Pakistan's former premier Imran Khan called for nationwide 'freedom' protests on Sunday, after his brief arrest and detention previous week triggered deadly unrest.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman- who has been tied up in dozens of legal cases since being ousted from power in April previous year - was freed on bail on Friday after his detention was declared unlawful by the Supreme Court.
Enraged by the arrest, supporters set fire to government buildings, blocked roads and damaged property belonging to the military, which they blame for Imran Khan's downfall.
'Freedom does not come easily. You have to snatch it. You have to sacrifice for it,' PTI chairman said in an address broadcast on YouTube Saturday night.
Imran Khan called for his supporters to hold protests 'at the end of your streets and villages' across the country on Sunday, and announced a return to campaigning on Wednesday for immediate elections.
For months, PTI leader has waged a campaign of defiance against the military.
His arrest on Tuesday came just hours after he was rebuked for claiming senior officials were involved in an assassination attempt against him previous year.
Pakistan's powerful military has directly ruled the country off and on for nearly half of its 75-year history, and continues to wield power over the political system.
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