Imran Khan Arrest Warrant Cancelled Following Courthouse Clashes

An arrest warrant for former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has been revoked by a court in Islamabad following violent clashes between police and the politician’s supporters outside the courthouse.

Khan complied with a court order and appeared before the court in the capital of Pakistan on Saturday, two days after an unsuccessful attempt to arrest him. He faces multiple charges, including illegally selling items gifted to him by foreign dignitaries during his time in office from 2018 to 2022. Khan asserts that he followed the law.

Earlier on Saturday, Khan and his closest associates accused Punjab police of invading his residence after he had left for court.

There were conflicts between police and Khan’s supporters outside the court. According to the Islamabad police, Khan’s supporters blasted the judicial complex and set a police post on fire.

Inside the courtroom, witnesses and judges reportedly experienced difficulty due to the teargas employed by the police.

Pakistan’s electronic media regulatory authority prohibited television coverage of Khan’s appearance in the judicial complex and political rallies, while mobile internet connections in Islamabad were suspended.

The judicial actions against Khan began after he was removed from office by a vote of no confidence under the constitution. Since then, he has conducted demonstrations across the nation to demand a quick election. During a November rally, he was shot and injured.

Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, has rejected Khan’s requests and stated that the election will be held on schedule.