Imran Khan released from custody after arrest ruled illegal

Imran Khan has faced a barrage of corruption allegations since he was ousted from power last year. Credit: SAIYNA BASHIR/Reuters

Imran Khan's arrest was overturned by the Supreme Court, to cheering supporters after two days of unrest.

Judges ruled to arrest the former prime minister, causing mass clashes and at least 10 deaths this week. illegal.

Their decision was welcomed by supporters of the former cricketer and marked the latest twist in a year-long standoff between Mr Khan and the government and Pakistani military.

The 70-year-old was told that he will remain with the police. asylum for his own protection, but may be accompanied by family members, his lawyers said. He is due to appear in court again on Friday.

Mr. Khan was accused of corruption after he was removed from power by a parliamentary vote of no confidence last year. Khan leaves Islamabad Supreme Court

He claims he was overthrown as a result of a US-backed conspiracy and the charges are politically motivated to prevent him from returning to power. He called for snap elections ahead of elections scheduled for later this year.

On Tuesday, Mr. Khan appeared in court on one charge when he was dragged away by anti-corruption agents in connection with another set of charges. fees.

Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial told Mr. Khan, «Your arrest is invalid so the whole process needs to be cancelled.»

«We suggest Islamabad police provide security and he [Khan] will do it. provide a list of his immediate family and lawyers who are to meet with him at police headquarters,” the judge said.

Supporters of Mr. Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party attacked government and military installations, set fire to buildings and blocked roads after they were arrested.

Khan's supporters clash with police in Peshawar Photo: Anadolu Agency

Hundreds of police officers were injured and over 2,000 arrested, mostly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

< p>Government accused Mr. Khan of inciting violence, while the military warned that there would be harsh retribution if his supporters continued to attack army facilities.

More than 2,000 people were arrested during the protests. Photo: AMIR QURESHI/AFP or licensors. media sites.

The turmoil arose when the country is in a deep economic crisis and is trying to avoid a default. The Pakistani rupee fell to a new low against the dollar on Thursday.