Imran Khan News Live: Former Pakistan PM To Appear Before Islamabad HC on Friday
Imran Khan will remain in custody at a Police guest house before his Islamabad HC hearing at 11 am on Friday.
The Supreme Court termed former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan's arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust Case, 'unlawful and illegal' and ordered that he be released immediately.
(Photo: Twitter)
Imran Khan Arrest News Live Updates: The Supreme Court, on Thursday, 11 May, termed former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) chairman Imran Khan's arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust Case as 'unlawful and illegal', and ordered that he be released immediately.
Subsequently, Khan left the court for the Police Lines Guest House under the inspector general's custody, a few moments after he was ordered to appear before the Islamabad High Court at 11am on Friday, 12 May.
Imran Khan had been arrested outside the Islamabad High Court and sent to the National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) remand custody for 8 days in the Al-Qadir Trust land deal case. He was also indicted in the Toshakhana corruption case by a Pakistan court on the same day.
"Though Imran Khan was released from custody, he will be under protection of security forces in a safe location in the capital, Islamabad. He is to appear before the Islamabad high court on Friday," Khan's lawyer said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the NAB for the way it arrested Khan and said, "National Accountability Bureau has disrespected the court."
What is the Al-Qadir Trust case? Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi are under investigation by NAB for a settlement involving a property tycoon that reportedly resulted in a loss of 190 million pounds to the national treasury.
What is the Toshakhana case? Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi are under investigation by NAB for a settlement involving a property tycoon that reportedly resulted in a loss of 190 million pounds to the national treasury.
A three-member bench of the Pakistan Supreme Court heard a plea against Imran Khan's arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case and slammed the NAB over its process of arrest, granting Khan relief.
When the chief justice asked him to condemn violence by protestors, Khan distanced himself from the bloody protests by saying that he was in custody.
Addressing a press conference, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has accused PTI Chairman Imran Khan of misusing his authority during his tenure as the Prime Minister.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority's suspension of mobile broadband across the country is set to last an indefinite period, under order from the Interior Ministry.
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)
Supporters of Imran Khan Attack PM Shehbaz Sharif's House
The supporters of Imran Khan attacked the Lahore residence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in protest against the former's arrest, the police said, as per news agency PTI.
More than 500 people reached Sharif's Model Town Lahore residence in the early hours of Wednesday and set vehicles parked over there on fire.
Senior PTI Leader Fawad Chaudhry Arrested
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior vice-president Fawad Chaudhry was arrested from outside the Pakistan Supreme Court in Islamabad amid protests against Imran Khan's arrest.
Pak PM Sharif Condemns Protests as 'Act of Terrorism'
In an address to the nation, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the ongoing protests against Imran Khan's arrest as an "act of terrorism" and "enmity" towards the country.
He urged the miscreants to end their "anti-state activities" and warned of severe consequences if they did not.
"The protection of the state and ideology of Pakistan is more precious. Nobody will be allowed to conspire against it," the prime minister asserted.
7 Cases, Including Anti-Terror, Lodged Against PTI Leaders
The Lahore police have filed seven cases, four of them under the anti-terrorism act, against PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Murad Saeed, Ali Ameen Gandapur, and other prominent leaders of the party.
One of the cases has been registered at Sarwar Road police station, charging them under the Anti-Terrorism Act and 20 other serious offenses. The charges relate to the attack on Jinnah House (the Corps Commander House) located in Lahore Cantt. The incident involved looting valuable items worth over PKR 150 million and subsequently setting the property on fire.
Protest Outside Pakistan Embassy in Washington
Protesters affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a demonstration outside the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, demanding the release of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.
During the protest, demonstrators expressed their discontent by raising slogans against the Chief Justice and army generals. Chants such as "Imran tere jaanisaar beshumar beshumar" (Imran, you have countless supporters) and "Free Free Imran Khan" echoed through the crowd.
PTI Leaders Arrested for Inciting Violence: Islamabad Police
According to Islamabad Police, several PTI leaders including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Falaknaz Chitrali, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema, and Maleeka Bokhari have been arrested.
The capital police also cautioned that additional arrests could be anticipated, urging the public not to engage in spreading rumors or provoking others.
Imran Khan's Arrest 'Internal Matter': UK PM Rishi Sunak
"The arrest of Imran Khan is an internal matter," PM Rishi Sunak said. He added that the UK is monitoring the situation in Pakistan carefully after the former prime minister was arrested in Islamabad by dozens of officers, Sky News has reported.
From Diamonds to Rolexes: What Is Pakistan’s Toshakhana Case Against Imran Khan?
As Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf anxiously fights off the police attempting to arrest their party chief, we explain what the Toshakhana case is all about and tell you about the 37 alleged cases Khan is involved in.
'Violation of Basic Rights': Human Rights Watch Hits Out at Pakistan Authorities
Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a statement which said that the police used excessive force against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters and protestors following Imran Khan's arrest.
“The government’s cutting of mobile internet services, and restrictions on access to Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms, is overbroad and indiscriminate in violation of basic rights,” HRW said.
Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at HRW said, “The Pakistani government should uphold the right to peaceful protest while responding to violence with the minimum force needed."
Bilawal Bhutto Advises PTI to 'Not Make Matters Worse'
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has accused PTI Chairman Imran Khan of misusing his authority during his tenure as the Prime Minister. According to Bilawal, Imran Khan consistently opposed reforms while his party was in power and alleged that the opposition was resorting to pressure tactics to secure a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).
He also advised the PTI to “not make matters worse” and urged the party to call for an end to the violent protests across Pakistan.
“Now, don’t make matters worse...call for an end to violent protests and declare that you will abide by the rule of law and Constitution. Accept that you were will engage with the NAB as citizens and not as terrorists,” Bhutto added.
Imran Khan, 1500 PTI Members Booked For Setting Corps Commander's Home Ablaze
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and 1,500 members of his political party have been booked by Punjab police for their alleged involvement in the attack and arson at the General Headquarters of the Army. During the incident, they set fire to the residence of the Lahore Corps Commander, as well as targeted military vehicles and installations.
The charges also include the looting of valuables estimated to be worth over 150 million rupees from Jinnah House. The FIR filed on Wednesday states that two individuals lost their lives during the attack.
Pakistan SC to Hear Plea Against Imran Khan's Arrest
A three-member bench of the Pakistan Supreme Court is set to hear a plea against Imran Khan's arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case at 2pm.
More About the Upcoming Supreme Court Hearing
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party filed a petition challenging the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) ruling, which deemed the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan by the National Accountability Bureau as "legal." However, initially, the petition was returned to the PTI by the registrar's office with objections attached.
However, the PTI addressed the objections raised by the registrar's office on Wednesday, and subsequently, the petition was accepted for a hearing.
In response to Imran Khan's arrest, the PTI Vice Chairman, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, called for an emergency meeting of a seven-member committee to assess the situation and devise a comprehensive strategy to secure the safe and early release of the party chair. Qureshi had earlier announced the party's intention to approach the Supreme Court.
Pakistan: In a Bid to Become the King Again, Imran Khan Catalysed His Own Arrest
Supreme Court Takes Up Petition Against Arrest
The Supreme Court took up on Thursday Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) petition challenging the arrest of party chief Imran Khan as Legal turmoil continues to brew for the former Pakistan Prime Minister.
During the hearing, Imran Khan's counsel, Hamid Khan, informed the Supreme Court that his client had approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to seek pre-arrest bail.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Bandial then inquired about the cases Imran was attending at the IHC, to which the lawyer responded that Imran Khan was present at the court for his biometrics when he was arrested. Hamid Khan also alleged that Imran Khan was mistreated and arrested by the Rangers.
Local media reports have quoted the Chief Justice saying, "No one can be arrested from the premises of Supreme Court, High Court or Accountability Court. The entire act of arresting Imran Khan has deeply damaged the respect of courts."
‘Person Who Surrendered Before Court Cannot Be Arrested’: Pakistan SC Slams NAB
The Chief Justice of Pakistan enquired about the number of personnel involved in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan's arrest from the Islamabad High Court, and said after receiving a response:
Meanwhile, Justice Minallah quipped that no one would be willing to come to court if such a narrative is upheld.
"A person who has surrendered before a court cannot be arrested," he added.
Justice Minallah further remarked that the NAB has followed similar operating procedures in the past as well.
Imran Khan to be Produced in Pakistan SC
A three judge bench of the Pakistan Supreme Court (SC) directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to produce former Prime Minster and PTI Chairman Imran Khan inside court within an hour.
Top IT Organisation Urges Govt to Restore Internet
A prominent IT organization in Pakistan, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA), has urged the government to restore internet services in the country. The internet services were suspended following the outbreak of violent protests triggered by the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
PASHA's President, Muhammad Zohaib Khan, highlighted the negative impact of the internet shutdown, stating that not only is the general public facing difficulties in carrying out their tasks, but also the suspension is causing substantial financial losses.
'Shocked, Disturbed': Pakistan's President Arif Alvi
Reacting to widespread protest, Pakistan's President Arif Alvi tweeted, "I am alarmed, shocked & deeply disturbed over the current situation in the country arising out of the arrest & manhandling of the former PM Imran Khan. The loss of human lives as an aftermath is heart-wrenching, regrettable, unfortunate & highly condemnable.
He further added that protest is a constitutional right of every citizen of Pakistan but should always remain within the bounds of the law.
"The way some miscreants have damaged public property, particularly government and military buildings, is condemnable. We must have a re-Think & look for political solutions, rather than coercion & arrests. I have conveyed my concerns to the political & military leadership & am hopeful that the situation can improve. I strongly appeal to all citizens of the country to remain peaceful," Alvi said.
PTI Leader Murad Saeed Calls for Marches if Imran Khan Not Released Today
PTI leader Murad Saeed has issued a warning, stating that if former Prime Minister Imran Khan is not released today, party supporters will march to Islamabad. In a video message shared on Twitter, Murad Saeed urged the public to take to the streets and bring about a change in their lives.
The message from Murad Saeed reflects the determination and urgency within the PTI to secure the release of Imran Khan, and highlights their willingness to mobilize their supporters for a strong show of protest.
PTI Asks Workers Not to Approach Supreme Court; Security Beefed Up
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has asked its workers not to approach the Supreme Court, where former Prime Minister and party chairman Imran Khan is set to be produced in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up outside the Pakistan Supreme Court, Dawn reported, adding that a bomb disposal squad and additional police and Rangers personnel have been called on as well. Roads leading up to the Pakistan SC have been cordoned off as well.
Here's a Recap of Pakistan Supreme Court Hearing Against Imran Khan's Arrest
The Supreme Court directed the NAB to produce PTI Chairman Imran Khan within an hour for a hearing on his plea against his arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
Imran Khan's lawyer argued that the arrest was conducted without the presence of an investigation officer and accused NAB of contempt of court.
The court examined the manner of the arrest, including the validity of the Imran Khan's arrest warrant, dated 1 May.
Khan's lawyers requested that the Supreme Court might set aside the High Court's decision due to inconsistencies with established precedents.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan's SC emphasized the importance of accessible courts and individuals feeling safe to approach them for relief.
Justice Minallah expressed concerns about NAB's actions, accusing them of "political engineering" the arrest and contributing to the country's destruction.
The Attorney General argued that NAB is an independent institution and clarifies that Rangers were present at the scene upon NAB's request, but not for the arrest itself. Meanwhile, Justice Minallah observed that this is a long-standing issue with the agency.
Imran Khan Produced Before Pakistan SC
Imran Khan produced before Pakistan's Supreme Court after being directed by the chief justice during a plea by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which challenged his arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
Pakistan Army Troops Conduct Flag March Near SC
Pakistan Army troops conducting a flag march in the red zone of Islamabad at Shahrah-e-Dastoor where the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Parliament and other important state buildings are situated.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Schedules National Security Council for Tomorrow
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has scheduled a National Security Council (NSC) meeting to take place tomorrow at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad.
The primary agenda of the meeting will be to assess the current law and order situation, specifically addressing incidents of arson targeting military installations and government institutions.
Elaborate Convoy Amid Heavy Security; Imran Khan Inside Courtroom
Footage being aired on GeoTV shows a convoy of vehicals with an elaborate security structure which is escorting former Prime Minister Imran Khan to the court after more than an hour’s delay.
Khan walked into the courtroom number 1 after entering the Supreme Court surrounded by police personnel in riot gear.
Imran Khan's Arrest Deemed 'Unlawful,' Immediate Release Ordered
The Supreme Court has called former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan's arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust Case 'unlawful.'
The court ordered Imran Khan's immediate release and also directed the former prime minister to approach the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Khan's lawyer said that the Pakistan SC set aside the Islamabad HC's decision dated 9 May.
‘SC Blazed an Independent Trail,’ Tweets Michael Kugelman
South Asia Institute Director for the Wilson Center Michael Kugelman tweeted that the Supreme Court has “blazed an independent trail during the recent stages of the political crisis”.
“Pakistan’s Supreme Court has blazed an independent trail during the recent stages of the political crisis. It has pushed back on government plans to delay provincial elections, and now it has questioned the legality of Imran Khan’s arrest," he wrote.
Here's Everything that Happened at Imran Khan's Hearing
"It is good to see you," Chief Justice Bandial said, addressing Khan.
After a brief hearing, the court declared that Khan's arrest was "illegal" and of no consequence and ordered that he should be set free.
"You will have to accept whatever the high court decides," the top judge said.
During the hearing, Khan told the court that he was "kidnapped from the court" when he was preparing for the biometric attendance before filing an appeal in a case. Khan claimed he was subjected to violence, saying that he had been beaten with clubs and that such brutality was not even inflicted on criminals.
He also said that he never supported violence. "I urge everyone to avoid damaging public properties," he said, adding that he was just pushing for elections.
His lawyers later said outside the court that Khan also called off all protests.
Following the CJP's order, Imran Khan, who was still present in the court, emphasised the importance of avoiding any harm to the country and urged his supporters to maintain peace.
"Our sole objective is to ensure fair elections in the country," he reiterated.
Expressing his lack of knowledge about the ongoing events in the country, Imran criticised the way he was apprehended, feeling as if he were treated as a terrorist.
10 People Allowed To Accompany Imran Khan While in SC Custody
According to PTI leader Babar Awan, the Supreme Court has issued an order allowing approximately 10 individuals to accompany Imran Khan during his time in custody of the top court.
Furthermore, Awan mentioned that the court has also granted permission for Imran Khan's family members to meet him.
'Finally Sense Prevailed': Ex-Wife Jemima Goldsmith Reacts
Imran Khan’s ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith reacted to the Supreme Court’s order finding the former prime minister’s arrest unlawful and said, “finally sense has prevailed.”
Imran Khan Leaves Pakistan SC, Will Remain at Police Lines Guest House Till Friday Hearing
Khan left the court for the Police Lines Guest House under the Inspector General's custody, a few moments after he was ordered to appear before the Islamabad High Court at 11am on Friday, 12 May.
PTI Workers Celebrate Across Pakistan
PTI workers distributed sweets at the residence of former Pakistan PM and Imran Khan in Zaman Park, shortly after the Supreme Court termed his arrest “illegal."
PTI workers were seen celebrating across the country after three days of severe protests which saw widespread violence, destruction of property and loss of life.
Former special assistant to the prime minister on youth affairs Usman Dar called on the party supporters to take to the streets to express solidarity and gratitude to the top court.
Pakistani actress Mishi Khan thanked the top court, specifically mentioning Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial for giving a "fair and right verdict".
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's Fiery Press Conference
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has raised concerns about the Supreme Court's decision to nullify the arrest of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, questioning what he sees as the court's "double standards of justice," ARY news reported
During a press conference in Islamabad, Khawaja Asif stated that in the past, the top leadership of major political parties had been arrested, but they were not provided the facility of a guest house.
He expressed skepticism about such verdicts, questioning how long the nation would be deceived by them.
Referring to the PTI's history of violence, Asif mentioned the attack on PTV's building during the 2014 dharna (sit-in), which was carried out under the supervision of Imran Khan and the current President, Dr. Arif Alvi.