Pakistan’s former premier Imran Khan has returned to Islamabad High Court to ask the judges to reconsider a ruling that his arrest by paramilitary troops on the orders of the anti-graft agency was legal.
(Bloomberg) — Pakistan’s former premier Imran Khan has returned to Islamabad High Court to ask the judges to reconsider a ruling that his arrest by paramilitary troops on the orders of the anti-graft agency was legal.
The proceedings were delayed on security checks and venue changes within the court complex in Islamabad. The court later broke for Friday afternoon prayers.
The court complex was the scene of the former cricket star’s dramatic detention on Tuesday, a move that sparked clashes between security forces and protesters that left at least eight people dead.
The Supreme Court ordered his release on Thursday, a decision that was slammed by the government, signaling the showdown that’s fueled unrest across the country is far from over. The government called on the military to help restore order, invoking the constitution to deploy troops across the country, while the shutdown of the mobile internet continues.
Key Developments
- Pakistan Is Caught Between the Army and Imran Khan: Mihir Sharma
- IMF Says Pakistan Will Scrap Controversial Fuel Subsidy Proposal
- Khan’s Arrest Could Worsen Pakistan’s Crisis
- Khan Supporters Rally in London for Ex-Pakistan PM’s Release
(All times Pakistan local)
Court Breaks for Friday Prayers After Two Hours of Delays (1:00 p.m.)
Friday’s proceedings have been delayed, first as security and bomb disposal units scanned the court complex and later as the venue was shifted from one room to another, according to multiple news reports.
Finally the court broke for afternoon prayers. It’s not immediately clear when judges will reassemble to hear Khan’s appeal for bail in the land graft case that led to his arrest.
Khan Appears Before Islamabad High Court (11:45 a.m.)
Imran Khan was brought in under heavy escort from the police guest house where he stayed for a night after he was released.
The courthouse was surrounded by dozens of security officers in riot gear while barbed wire was placed at the entrance. Shipping containers were placed all around to seal the entire court compound.
Court Puts Imran Khan’s State Gifts Case on Hold (11:23 a.m.)
A Pakistani Court has put on hold Imran Khan’s trial on charges of hiding earnings from the sale of state gifts.
The scheduled hearing for Saturday will not go ahead, according to his lawyer Gohar Ali Khan.
The court had formally charged Khan earlier this week. The politician has denied all the charges.
Court Seeks Government Reply on Mobile Internet Suspension (10:30 a.m.)
The Lahore High Court is seeking a response from the government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority on a petition challenging the suspension of internet service and access to social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
Pakistan’s Rupee Rebounds (9:56 a.m.)
The local currency rose sharply after touching an all-time low for the past two days following a drop in dollar demand.
The currency rose by 4.7% to 285 a dollar after the open, according to data from the foreign-exchange desk at Arif Habib Ltd.
Pakistan’s Rupee Rebounds Sharply After Dollar Demand Eases
Pakistan Minister Dismisses Talk of Emergency Rule (1:00 a.m.)
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has dismissed talk of a state of emergency being imposed on Pakistan, saying it was business as usual. She too criticized the ruling by the country’s top court to release Imran Khan from the custody of the anti-graft agency.
She told a local television program that police have gone after the mobs that attacked military and state buildings after Khan was arrested.
Police Warn Against Public Gatherings in Islamabad (12:23 a.m.)
Police in the capital warned that the Section 144 ban on public gatherings is still in force and asked “political workers not to obstruct” the legal processes in the courts.
Defense Minister Says Court Ignoring Attacks by Khan’s Supporters (11:40 p.m.)
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the Supreme Court wasn’t taking into consideration the attacks on military and state properties by supporters of Imran Khan when it ordered his release. He called the order a special reprieve for Khan during a media conference.
Imran Khan to Address Supporters on a Highway in Islamabad (11:30 p.m.)
His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has called on supporters to gather at a highway in the capital on Friday to show solidarity. Imran Khan is supposed to show up after his court appearance in the morning, the party said in a tweet.
Interior Minister Vows to Arrest Imran Khan Again (10:51 p.m.)
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said the authorities will arrest the political leader, without giving details.
This depends on whether Khan can get bail from the Islamabad High Court on Friday. If he doesn’t succeed, this would be the first opportunity for the authorities to arrest him.
Pakistan in a Very Challenging Situation, IMF Says (8:00 p.m.)
Pakistan faces very large financing needs, International Monetary Fund spokeswoman Julie Kozack said in a briefing. Both sides are engaged to make progress in the loan review, she added.
The financing committed by Pakistan’s external partners is a welcome sign but significant additional funds are essential to complete the loan review, Kozack said. Pakistan has previously said Saudi Arabia has committed to a new loan of $2 billion and United Arab Emirates has pledged $1 billion.
Khan to Spend the Night at Police Guest House for Security (6:36 p.m.)
Imran Khan is now under the Supreme Court’s custody and will spend the night at a police guest house before appearing at the Islamabad High Court Friday for another case, one of his lawyers, Babar Awan, told reporters.
The politician wanted to return home but the top court said he needed to stay in a secure location, Khan’s lawyer added. He is allowed to receive ten visitors until his court case on Friday.
Khan was scheduled to attend the high court proceedings in relation to a land deal before he was arrested by paramilitary rangers on Tuesday.
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