Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan left a high court after being granted broad protection from arrest in multiple legal cases against him. It's a victory for Khan in his standoff with the government that sparked days of rioting by his followers.
By MUNIR AHMEDPakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, center, is escorted by security officials as he arrive to appear in a court, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, May 12, 2023. A high court in Islamabad has granted Khan a two-week reprieve from arrest in a graft case and granted him bail on the charge. Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, center, is escorted by security officials as he arrive to appear in a court, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, May 12, 2023.
Khan and his lawyers were also working to ensure the rulings were fully documented, trying to close off any legal loopholes that could allow his arrest again later. In the evening, shots were heard in the area of the courthouse. Police were investigating who opened fire, the interior minister said. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, who is not related to the former prime minister, told the independent GEO television that the government will respect the court order. He said he could not say whether another attempt would be made to arrest Khan in the coming days but said all those involved in violence will “not be spared” prosecution.
The standoff threatens to open a deeper vein of turmoil in a country that has seen multiple military takeovers and bouts of violence. The unrest has echoed what followed the 2007 assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto during an election rally. Her supporters at the time, outraged by her killing, rampaged for days across Pakistan.
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