Police and other law enforcers withdrew from around Imran Khan's Zaman Park home on Wednesday, putting a halt to clashes that had erupted after police tried to arrest the former prime minister for not appearing in court in the Toshakhana case. Law enforcement personnel were seen leaving the Lahore neighbourhood after clashing with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters as renewed attempts were made earlier today to arrest party chairman Imran.Police resumed firing tear gas rounds and used water cannons against defiant PTI workers and supporters as fresh skirmishes broke out in the morning after law enforcers intensified their operation in a standoff that lasted almost 24-hours.

CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana and DIG Operations Lahore Afzal Kausar have also reached the area to lead the operation. A large contingent of Punjab Rangers - in riot gear - is assisting the police. On Tuesday night, the provincial government had sought three companies of Punjab Rangers to reinforce the police contingent.

The official PTI Twitter handle stated that open firing had begun by the Rangers and police with Imran's residence under "extreme attack". Videos showed "bullet marks" on the gates of Zaman Park, as the party claimed that "tyrants" were "once again going to the extremes of cruelty". Meanwhile, a group of lawyers is also marching toward Zaman Park.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP