Imran Khan Arrest Live Updates: In a major relief for Imran Khan, Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday declared the former prime minister’s arrest “illegal” and ordered his immediate release after he was produced before a bench on its orders.
The order to produce 70-year-old Khan was issued by a three-member bench, comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Athar Minallah. The bench, which heard Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman’s plea against his arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case, expressed anger at the way Khan was taken into custody from the premises of the Islamabad High Court. The bench had directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to produce Khan by 4:30 pm (local time) when the court would reconvene.
Khan was produced before the court amid tight security. As he entered the courtroom, it was closed, and subsequently, the bench resumed the hearing of the case.
“It is good to see you,” Chief Justice Bandial told Khan. “We believe that Imran Khan’s arrest was illegal,” the top judge said.
He said that the Islamabad High Court should hear the case on Friday. “You will have to accept whatever the high court decides,” the judge added.
Imran Khan‘s arrested has raised many eyebrows considering the fact that this is a man who was a loved and popular cricketer at one point of time, and more importantly, held the position of power as Pakistan’s prime minister.
Here are the latest updates from Pakistan
Imran Khan Arrest LIVE: Stay tuned with us as we bring to you live coverage of the events that are currently unfolding in Pakistan after their former Prime Minister and former cricketer Imran Khan’s arrest today.
Shaheen Sebai, an independent journalist tweeted, “First reaction against Imran Khan's arrest is a big procession moving towards Army Headquarters where there is a big chance of violence and killings. Khan was grossly manhandled and almost half-conscious when pushed into a police /Army van. His lawyers were also beaten.”
A man walks past a burning prison van set on fire by angry supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan during a protest against the arrest of their leader, in Karachi, Pakistan on Tuesday. (Image: AP)
According to a tweet atht is circling on social media, protesters from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party can be seen marching to the Families Corps Commander's House, demanding the release of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in Al-Qadir Trust case.
PTI took to Twitter and wrote, “It’s your time, people of Pakistan. Khan has always stood for you, now its time to stand for him.”
Protest in cantt Multan against abduction by Rangers on Dirt Harry’s directions #releaseimrankhan pic.twitter.com/b7PaVgiAU8
— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 9, 2023
Former Pak PM Imran Khan will be presented before the Anti-Graft Court on Wednesday, reports GEO TV.
As per a Reuters report, Pakistan Interior Minister has said that orders have been given to deal with Khan's supporters if they create an unlawful situation.
Supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan chant slogans as they block a road as a protest to condemn the arrest of their leader, in Peshawar, Pakistan. (AP Photo)
The hearing which was disrupted after Imran Khan's arrest in Al-Qadir trust case, has resumed at the Islamabad High Court, as per Pakistan Daily dawn.
Pakistan's Interior Minister has said that the arrest is related to a property tycoon's money laundering that was 190 million pounds and was caught in UK, as per a Reuters report. The minister has claimed that Khand and his wife got huge lands from the tycoon in return for a favour to him.
اسلام آباد عدالتی پیشی کیلئے روانگی سے قبل چیئرمین تحریک انصاف کا خصوصی پیغام
— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 9, 2023
آئی ایس پی آر کی پریس ریلیز پر خصوصی ردعمل #behindyouskipper pic.twitter.com/NtrcUSrwwY
The protesters have already gathered on the streets and are demanding Khan's release, according to a tweet by official handle of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).