Pakistani Senator Aimal Wali Khan has not been arrested and is at his residence in Charsadda, his spokesperson confirmed to Nukta on Tuesday, rejecting widespread media reports to the contrary.
Khan, who heads the Pashtun-nationalist Awami National Party (ANP), was reported by several outlets—and journalists including Hamid Mir—to have been detained in Islamabad while returning home after a Senate session.
However, Khan’s spokesperson, Amir Alam, dismissed the reports as “baseless,” saying the senator’s political rivals were spreading misinformation.
“Khan returned home safely and is currently at his residence in Charsadda,” Alam said.
The reports emerged shortly after the federal government withdrew Khan’s official security. A day earlier, he had attended a Senate session accompanied by members of his party’s volunteer force, known as the Salars.
Some of the reports also claimed that a police case had been filed against Khan for allegedly carrying illegal weapons and delivering hate speeches against state institutions and the military leadership.
Last week, Khan questioned the recent visit of Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to the United States, accusing him of overshadowing the civilian government.
In response, State Minister for Interior Talaal Chaudhry criticized Khan’s remarks, saying: “You don’t even know whom you’re trying to please. Pakistan’s successful diplomacy over the past 80 years is unprecedented, yet you dismiss it so casually.”
Following the exchange, the government withdrew official security provided to Khan and his family.
Khan later said he did not require state protection, adding that “the Salars will continue to protect me.”
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