Imran takes Punjab govt to task over nephews' arrest

E-Paper | June 08, 2026

In a series of inflammatory tweets on his official Twitter account, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Friday took the Punjab government to task over the recent arrests of two of his nephews by Punjab police for allegedly violating traffic rules.

The PTI chief questioned the police's actions and whether traffic violations warrant such a reaction. He claimed that his nephews were mistreated "because of who they are".

Referring to the media's immediate arrival at the scene as "strange", Imran claimed that the incident was arranged. Hitting out at Punjab's police force, Khan said that "Punjab police have become Gullus".

Vouching for his nephews as "decent youngsters", Imran expressed his satisfaction over their upbringing. He also said that his nephews did not use their relationship with Imran Khan for their own vested interests.

The PTI chief said that it was "shameful" how Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had called his sister as he is responsible for his province's police and turning it into a "monster force".

Imran said that he will pursue this case to "expose" the Punjab government which, he alleged, is using its police force for political victimisation.

Read: Imran Khan's nephew arrested in Lahore

Two nephews of Imran were arrested on Wednesday from Lahore's Race Course area after they allegedly hurled abuses at a traffic warden who stopped them for violating traffic rules. They were released on bail on Thursday. A case was registered against the two for "threatening to kill" and "obstructing the job" of a government official.

Also read: Imran Khan's nephews released on bail

Khan's nephews were released on bail with a surety bond of Rs 50,000 each, as their lawyer had claimed all sections are bailable offenses. The lawyer had alleged that the accused were tortured while in police custody. A magistrate had ordered a medical examination to verify the claims.

Speaking to media representatives on Thursday, Imran's sister Dr Uzma said she had filed a complaint against the alleged torture of her children in police custody. She said her boys were beaten with butts of guns during custody and the complaint was her effort to ensure that no one else's children face such treatment in future.

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FeudalKingdom

Jul 03, 2015 12:35pm

We all know that Imran Khans nephew would have most certainly threatened the police. It does not matter whether IK accepts it or not, it is human nature.

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Shaukat Ali

Jul 03, 2015 12:37pm

Your nephews misbehaved because of who they are; Mr IK. They have followed the normal hooligans conduct of PTI against police. Untouchables.

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Imran

Jul 03, 2015 12:39pm

Thanks IK for raising voice against this corrupt mafia

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Omer

Jul 03, 2015 12:44pm

I am with the on duty Traffic Warden. If one breaks the law and also use foul language and resist arrest then what has happened the nephew of Mr. Imran is right.

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Pakistani

Jul 03, 2015 12:49pm

This is getting ugly!! They mistreated traffic police because they knew who they were NEPHEWS OF IMRAN KHAN and they could get away due to imran Khan and they did.

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Gul Pasha

Jul 03, 2015 12:50pm

When Mian Iftikhar was arrested on false charges of murdering one PTI worker Mr Niazi said that the law should take it course and he is no one to interfere in police matters. Now he will politicise his nephews brawl with traffic warden to divert people attention from puncture story.

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abid

Jul 03, 2015 12:51pm

Now you understand pain. Not only punjab, rest of the Pak police suffer from similar attitude problem.

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Hisham

Jul 03, 2015 01:01pm

His politics will get even more uglier after his Puncture fairy story got flat and the forthcoming verdict by the Judicial Commission. He sees an opportunity in his nephew incident to arrest his falling rating.

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ashfaq

Jul 03, 2015 01:07pm

I have just read all the comments made by people against IK and his nephew for what it was presented in previous report. it also show how our media works. people dont check reality and blame people for their political affiliation. police beat two youngsters for vilationg or non vilating trafiic law.

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Awais Ali

Jul 03, 2015 01:09pm

Absolutely agree with this great man. Deplorably Punjab police has habit of doing such mistreats at least once in a week.

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kamran

Jul 03, 2015 01:12pm

Why hasnt this article mentioned the video that has been leaked shwoing how IK's nephews where beaten by 10 police gullus and 2 traffic gullus. it clearly shows how eessive force was used.

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Just saying

Jul 03, 2015 01:13pm

Lol, Imran Khan is losing it. Dynastic politics in the making for PTI.

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Azzam

Jul 03, 2015 01:19pm

is this also a political statement ???

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KAlam

Jul 03, 2015 01:33pm

This is not the job a decent and professional police force. Their job is to present them in a court of law and not bashing them in public or torture. This culture of police violence must end.

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M.Saeed

Jul 03, 2015 01:34pm

A fight between two groups of more-equals !

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Jason

Jul 03, 2015 01:38pm

The behaviour of the police is utterly shameful.

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natey

Jul 03, 2015 01:40pm

police in pak n ind act as judge and give punishment when their job is just to catch n take ppl to court to decide...police cannot decide...thats why sometime i think when policemen are killed its because the ppl are giving back revenge for the torture they got....

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M. Malik

Jul 03, 2015 01:41pm

Tsxh, tsxh, IK. Choose your battles carefully. Not every battle worth fighting for. If you get mired in small matters and waste your energies and time on such things, your enemies win the bigger battles.

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Jul 03, 2015 01:45pm

In a proper society minor traffic incident does not warrant arrest. If they were arrested and questioned then a lawyer should have been present. Says a lot for Punjab police who should dealing with More seriou crimes like killing of unarmed civilian like MK.

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Doc. Usman Ali

Jul 03, 2015 01:46pm

Thanks IMRAN khan. We salute you

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Syed Ganga Din

Jul 03, 2015 01:55pm

Imran Khan , the victim, not working any more. Find something worthwhile.

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Jul 03, 2015 02:06pm

The job of the Police is to protect and serve -not to beat, harass and torture those under their custody

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Haider Rehman Real

Jul 03, 2015 02:12pm

Why does Police beat people for violating traffic law?

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adnan

Jul 03, 2015 02:13pm

the traffic wardens are often unreasonable and untrained and rude and un couth this is becauase of shahbaz sharif

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Hussain

Jul 03, 2015 02:16pm

"Vouching for his nephews as "decent youngsters", Imran expressed his satisfaction over their upbringing." I am pretty sure that IK's standard regarding upbringing is quite low...we still remember his love affairs. Last day he admitted he lied about 35 punctures. When elders of a family indulge in such cheap activities, youth may also get affected. Our police is not ideal yet political leaders and their kids are even bigger rogues.

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ahmed

Jul 03, 2015 02:32pm

So is he angry at police forcee being subordinate to shahbaz sharif and not himself. Instead he should have called for a fair inquiry into it

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Jul 03, 2015 02:34pm

I am with you on this IK. LEAs are getting out of control both in Sindh and Panjab. BUT I wish you had the same sentiments for urban sindh youth who are suffering even worst treatment by the hands of LEAs. These double standards are forcing thousands to move away from PTI and you will see this in the next general elections.

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Javed Arshad

Jul 03, 2015 02:41pm

Police is infamous for heavy handedness in most countries even in US, however, Punjab police has stood out in exceeding their authority in collusion or more so in obedience of the local government - witnessed through several incidences in just last one year.

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Jul 03, 2015 02:47pm

I am with you on this IK. LEAs are getting out of control both in Panjab and Sindh. BUT I wish you had the same sentiments for youths belonging to urban sindh. They have been suffering by the hands of LEAs for decades now.

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SGKhan_Karachi

Jul 03, 2015 02:50pm

Nothing can justify physically beating up someone for violating a traffic offence. A number of news channels have shown a footage of what happened. Not only the traffic police, but crime police was also involved in torturing the kids. The court has also taken notice of this and ordered a medical examination of the boys. IK, we are with you!

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Muhammad

Jul 03, 2015 03:08pm

Under what law police beaten them in their custody? We live in a country where instead of getting help from police , people get tortured

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Malveros

Jul 03, 2015 03:16pm

The question to be asked is this - Why when IK's Nephews were being fined for traffic violation they resorted to arguing, abusing and punching the Traffic Warden due to which the Traffic Warden had to call for reinforcement in the form of Elite Police ?

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Hassan

Jul 03, 2015 03:16pm

Police in Punjab is used for beating a poor bakery worker because he dared to up set the daughter of the CM Police killed 17 people in model town because they refused to take down the protection barriers erected on supreme court order Police tortured two youngsters (there is a video of this beating) just because they are related to the CMs opponent. This is the leading light of Good Governance

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Tariq Abdullah

Jul 03, 2015 03:17pm

Now Now Mr. Khan. You are a sensible learned nobel gentleman (at least this is what you say about your self and we the people of Pakistan do not find you anything close to this). If you or your relatives, your friends do anything it is OK. They are pardoned by you and hence by any authority of this world ??? Let justice prevail and let your nephew fight his case in court, don't give your verdict. You or They are not "ANGLES". Being your relative is not licence to "KILL".

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Malveros

Jul 03, 2015 03:19pm

@adnan Never have we faced any problems with Traffic Wardens unless u start abusing, shoving and punching them around ! The Traffic Wardens are doing an excellent job.

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Jul 03, 2015 03:25pm

according to reports (before the "torture" pictures came) what was reported was that the two boys threatened the traffic warden and used foul language. If that is the case, the police was well within its right to arrest them. Following that, if they resisted arrest, it worsens the situation for them. Having said all that it is funny to see how these boys were being called sons of some PML-N MNA by PTI trolls and now that IK has come out in support of them, the wind has changed direction completely.

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kamran

Jul 03, 2015 03:25pm

@M. Malik tsk tsk malik sahib i hope this happens to ur kids or ur relatives then i think you will be running after IK to help you what he is trying to say here is that police should not do this to anyone not just his relatives as should you be voicing your concern that why is police beating kids for a traffic violation or even if they threatened them they could have been restraint. this is not about choosing battles his trying to reform society as a whole but i doubt if people like you would understand.

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Zahid

Jul 03, 2015 03:29pm

Case for "threatening to Kill"...comon...... Just to remind PML-N supporters...was Shahbaz's daughter arrested when she brutally tortured a poor salesman. Was anyone tortured. We all know how big a slave is Punjab Police....It was an opportunity for them to show their performance for their master and they did.

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Aftab Alam Khan

Jul 03, 2015 03:36pm

Media has become very fast. Mr Khan you loved Media during Dharna days when it shown your programme continuously on various TV channels.

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Arshad - Karachi

Jul 03, 2015 03:38pm

An Oxford bread socialite obsessed with the passion to reform a society like ours. It’s fun as well as (kind of) sad to see how he goes about it.

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haris

Jul 03, 2015 03:40pm

Reminds me of Bakery incident that involves Shahbaz Sharif's sister. I'm sure that didn't cross the minds of people who are commenting here with their mouth wide.

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Adeel

Jul 03, 2015 03:51pm

IK take this pain, you will understand how the common man suffers in Pakistan while you people enjoys elite life

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Jul 03, 2015 03:53pm

@kamran My intention was not to support what the police were doing. A full inquiry should take place in the matter. But if someone threatens the police and resists arrest, the police is allowed to use force. I am not playing the judge here. Just pointing out that people were okay with all this before and accusing the boys of being the son of some PML-N politician, and deriding the boys for abusing the police. Now that IK has claimed that they are his children, the entire tide has changed.

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Shaukat Ali

Jul 03, 2015 04:00pm

So Mr IK, is this a political statement too like 35 punctures? LOL.

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Shaukat Ali

Jul 03, 2015 04:09pm

Lawyers beat police, politicians beat police, political leaders' cronies beat police, terrorists kill police. How do we expect police to work for us?

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M. Asghar

Jul 03, 2015 04:12pm

As these nephews violated the traffic rules, they have to pay for this according to the law.

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IBN E ASHFAQUE

Jul 03, 2015 04:13pm

The police routinely torture kids in Karachi, as they are lesser Pakistanis. If they did it in Lahore so what? get used to it Imran.

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Umar

Jul 03, 2015 04:13pm

@Shaukat Ali Have you taken a look at the the images which show that they were tortured. They may have broken the law but does that justify torture ? Does it ?

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El Cid

Jul 03, 2015 04:15pm

They could not grapple with the Great Khan so they went after his kin. Collective punishment is now the order of the day in Pakistan.

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shoukat

Jul 03, 2015 04:17pm

Well people who are talking against IK. Lets first examine the case how many have Imran khan's nephew been arrested before?. And how many have you heard punjab police mistreating people. Beating blind people?....killing two youngsters in pindi?....killing of youngsters in sialkot infront of police?....and story goes on....considering past history its hard to side with punjab police which also is filled with political goons of pmln....

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Blood Lust

Jul 03, 2015 04:20pm

I usually dont comment here but I have been compelled to do so after reading what the news papers and the people in their comments have to say about the incident. I went to school with one of the two boys who were involved in the incident above. I got to know him really well and I am certain without a doubt that whatever happened between him and the trafic warden, he did not deserve to be beaten up by 10 policemen in the middle of the street. Also I am 100% sure he is not the kind of person who would misbehave because of who he is. Who are the police to beat someone up on the street? Their job is to maintain order not to spread violence. Lets even assume that he was hurling abuses at them and misbehaving with them etc etc. The police is trained to arrest him not trash him. Perhaps the most important question we should be asking ourselves is whether this is any humanity left in our society. Everyone of us out with a lust for blood.

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responsible

Jul 03, 2015 04:22pm

All the police in Punjab are Gullu and are servants of two brothers.

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shoukat

Jul 03, 2015 04:23pm

and as far as 35 punctures are concerned its the american ambassador who said that. With programs similar to NSA going on its possible they heard najam sethi saying it but the problem is proving it. We even can not even summon our former president zardari for corruption charges how are we going to summon US ambassador to judicial commission?.

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umer Salahuddin

Jul 03, 2015 04:30pm

Is he talking about justice. Every one knows that his nephews misbehave with the warden and used abusive language . Is it new Pakistan where powerful is allowed to do what ever he wants and no respect of law?.

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umar

Jul 03, 2015 04:40pm

Reading some of the comments its clear no wonder the police behave like they do the first instance the police get ,they beat the living day light out of the culprits.That's no way civilised world behaves .. Have total accountability for All.

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Daood

Jul 03, 2015 04:54pm

@Haider Rehman Real because people think they are above the law because someone in their family is in politics.

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Nisar ahmad

Jul 03, 2015 04:55pm

Is IK nephew and family royal that they can violate any law. He should not cry and let the law take its path. In fact IK introduced culture to beat cops in dharnas and that is continued.

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Whiskey Khan

Jul 03, 2015 04:56pm

Sorry Imran, If they broke the rules then they are not above the Law, your protest does not help the Law to take its own course. Pakistan biggest curse is all connected people think they are above the law.

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Baba Sahib

Jul 03, 2015 04:56pm

I lost my last iota of trust in MR.IK, When it comes to his family he has another set of rules for the police to follow. He no longer stand out in the political crowed.

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Daood

Jul 03, 2015 04:56pm

@Haider Rehman Real because people think they are above the law because someone in their family is in politics.

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M. Siddique

Jul 03, 2015 04:57pm

@Omer. Mr. Warden, is beating of a person is also part of your responsibility? Especially when the person is arrested for traffic violation followed by an altercation?

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Daood

Jul 03, 2015 04:58pm

It is always amusing to see blind followers making fun of themselves. ;)

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Tariq

Jul 03, 2015 05:21pm

Imran should take these Gullu Butts even upto the Supreme Court,if required.They think Pakistan and specially Punjab is their personal fiefdom.They should be exposed so that the whole Country is exposed to their deeds.

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Dasti

Jul 03, 2015 05:35pm

IK should have raised his voice earlier. Does he not know that it is the normal behavior of police specially when the arrested person is belongs to poor family.

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Adi

Jul 03, 2015 05:52pm

IK needs to get mature , not every street incident is a planned conspiracy against him. He has started sounding like MQM. A national level leader should conduct himself like one.

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Common man

Jul 03, 2015 05:53pm

These are princes and above the law. They are nephews of Ik who has a pride in breaking the laws. So Punjab govt has no right to stop them for violation of law. When they beat trafic warden media should shut their cameras and mouth and let them treat police as their servants. After all they are nephews of dreaming prime minister

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tahir

Jul 03, 2015 06:12pm

No respect of law for people like imran, who at one time pass derogatry remarks and them appologise thst it was just a political gimmick. Shameful for such so called politicians.

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Yasir

Jul 03, 2015 06:16pm

Khan sahab gave the character certificate. Now please release them

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Jul 03, 2015 06:29pm

I think we follow UK laws . I am sure there is nothing to arrest n especially beat some one in arrested ... If u had an accident n you hit pediatrician and he died .. Still they donot arrest you .... Traffic police does not have authority ...

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ilyas

Jul 03, 2015 07:22pm

The real test of genuine leadership is at the time of conflict of interest. IK has even played politic by blaming the Punjab Government on this isolated or individual issue. IK should have condemned his nephews for interfering with the duties of traffic constable. The institution should be strengthen rather then weaken. If some official is exceeding the powers than the right course is take legal steps rather than taking law into your own hands and encourage anarchy.

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malik

Jul 03, 2015 07:33pm

Why is Shahbaz sharif calling Imran's Sister. Does he call the mother of everyone who gets arrested. And beating people for a traffic violation, when the police could have simply wrote a challan and fined them. This sounds like a political Harrasment.

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farid

Jul 03, 2015 07:42pm

Typical Pakistan, now we have IK royal family. Finally he has joined the real Pakistani politics.

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seth sarwar

Jul 03, 2015 07:48pm

Interesting, the man (Imran Khan) who talks of law and its implementation, when it comes to his own relatives talks like other politicians (Zardari, Chaudries etc). Who authorized Imrans cousins to take law in their hands and beat the warden. Who will speak for the government employees who stand in 41-43 degree temperature and monitor the traffic. I support action against the cousins. (Will Imrans cousins do such thing in LONDON or NEW YORK) NO No

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Progressing

Jul 03, 2015 07:55pm

Why in the world do we always take sides,one claims to be innocent and the other the bad guys? My question is,if Imran Khan believes his nephews are good boys and they didn't do any wrong,how does he know that? Was he there? Did the police really cross the line? Imran Khan should have said he would look into the matter instead of taking his nephews side,that would have been the responsible thing to do to set an example ,same goes for the police wardens.Media should be very careful in presenting the incidences.Headlines are always misrepresented in my opinion.The whole incidence leads me to believe that Imran Khan is no different,its how all the politicians respond when it comes to their family members involved in silly disputes.

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Aurangzeb

Jul 03, 2015 08:36pm

IK is correct & who ever defending Punjab Police can see what they have done to country! My brother was stopped for traffic violation and asked for ticket but police refuse to issue ticket instead asking for money!

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Imran

Jul 03, 2015 09:34pm

@Az try hitting a policeman in UK and see what happens to you.

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Akib

Jul 03, 2015 10:44pm

@malik he didn't send a death threat or make a prank call, I'm sure it was just to inform the sister. Spinning the story into a negative one is very easy. Like let's say the nephews resisted arrest and faught off the police officer who was doing his job in stopping them.

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ashamed

Jul 03, 2015 10:56pm

How did the police know they were your nephews? IK has started acting like all other politicians.

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Rashid Ishaq

Jul 03, 2015 11:13pm

Imran Khan you have more important things to do for this poor public other than fighting over your nephews

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Waseem Ahmad

Jul 03, 2015 11:53pm

At least police should be polite They should have patience.if they did wrong It does not mean that police start beating,young and educated youth I have experience of KP police in Nowshera IG police compel them to deal every case on merit Waseem Ahmad. Lahore

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Cyrus

Jul 04, 2015 12:44am

Now Imran Khan is talking nonsense.

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Cyrus

Jul 04, 2015 01:11am

@Syed Ganga Din .... There is an edge of paranoia to this man. He is aging and probably fears he may not have time to accomplish his goals. So he sees everyone in his way.

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Cyrus

Jul 04, 2015 01:27am

@Javed Arshad ... Riots in the streets give them a bad attitude and every driver they stop wants to argue they didn't break a traffic law. You wouldn't take their jobs.

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Tabish

Jul 04, 2015 01:47am

lets not kid ourselves, we all know this police torture and takes bribe everyday. People don't even take their matter to punjab police because they know that they take bribe even for registering an FIR. Lets not take side of the police of the in hatred of Imran khan

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Sahir Sumalani

Jul 04, 2015 01:48am

dont' worry Mr. IK, Azeem famed up already...

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Cyrus

Jul 04, 2015 01:51am

@M ... I have no stake in Pakistan politics. The reason I take sides with Nawaz Sharif is because there is something about Imran Khan that I feel can't be trusted. That he will disappoint people by not having enough understanding of politics. He is just learning the game. It is rougher than cricket. Populists can become dictatorial like Erdogan. Once he has power he won't want to give it up.

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dawn

Jul 04, 2015 02:37am

Agree with you Mr. I.K>

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Jul 04, 2015 02:54am

It is disheartening that Ik himself is interfering in law and order matter as he did during Darma. It is not reassuring that Ik will follow law and order if he became PM. Before you take the Punjab Govt at task, practice yourself law and order.

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Ahmed

Jul 04, 2015 03:15am

Imran Khan thinks he is the judge who decides that it is the poor policeman who is guilty and his nephews who tried to bully him who are innocent.

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Faisal

Jul 04, 2015 04:01am

Give a break - the streets of Lahore are full of 9-10 year old kids driving motor bikes, racing and wheeling. I was shocked to see this last year. Where is the traffic police? Where are the thousands of cameras that are being installed?

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Not Khan

Jul 04, 2015 04:29am

IK should have appologized to the traffic warden who was doing his duty in extreme heat, instead he is taking side of his hooligan nephews. If they are relatives of royal khan they are not above the law. As always IK is taking this oppurtunity to criticise police for his cheap fame.

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Juliana Fitzwater

Jul 04, 2015 04:34am

Yes. Your nephews are polite and decent. Just like you

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Jul 04, 2015 05:52am

This is a new low for imran khan...no one should be above the law!

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Azam Khan

Jul 04, 2015 05:55am

@Omer, the traffic wardens were planted there. The media reached there within no time, in fact it was already there.

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Candid

Jul 04, 2015 06:10am

This is for all those who are blindly supporting the two kids, as they are the nephews of Imran Khan. A party that stands for change, I don't see it behaving any different from others. I am sorry but Imran Khan, cant support you on this one. Any one who takes the law in hand has to be treated in a way that he/she does not do it again.

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