Pakistan: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan Gets Another Lifeline Amid Threat Of Arrest

Former prime minister Of Pakistan and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) party chief Imran Khan, has got another breather from arrest, for a day.

The Islamabad High Court judge has halted the arrest of Khan by Lahore Police by a day — to Friday (17 March) in connection with the corruption case.

Early in the morning, the Islamabad High Court judge also offered to halt the arrest if Imran Khan surrendered before the court.

The Islamabad High Court released a non-bailable warrant against Khan on 28 February, in the Toshakhana corruption case. The warrant directs the Lahore Police to bring Imran Khan under custody by 18 March.

In the Toshakhana case, Khan is linked to accusations of illegally selling presents he received during his tenure as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018-2022.

Investigations by the election commission found that he violated regulations, and the court mandated his arrest after he failed to attend a hearing.

The Islamabad High Court Judge Zafar Iqbal remarked that Khan should surrender unconditionally before seeking any favour from the court.

The judge remarked what was the meaning of the undertaking if the former premier was not present.

“We want Imran to come to court. Why is he not coming? What is the reason? Imran Khan has to assist the police according to the law, not resist them,” he said.

Khan’s counsel presented the undertaking that his client would appear in court on 18 March, as per directions of the Islamabad High Court.

The judge stated that he would prevent the Islamabad police from arresting Khan if he surrendered in court.

Yesterday (15 March), protestors loyal to Khan’s political party, PTI, clashed with law enforcement agencies after the police tried to detain Khan from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore.

The police used tear gas, armoured vehicles, and water cannons to contain protests by supporters outside the compound.

The PTI claimed the compound was "under attack", while the police faced stones thrown by protesters.

Protesters attempted to block Islamabad's main road connecting to Rawalpindi. Karachi and Peshawar also experienced demonstrations.

Various experts say that, while the political parties are engaged in a political blame game, Pakistan’s economic crisis is worsening.

This month, the inflation index for everyday items exceeded 40 per cent, and the country's foreign reserves declined to $4 billion, sufficient for only one month's imports.

Sharif's government attempted to negotiate a bailout with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) but failed.

To meet an important IMF requirement, Pakistan's central bank increased its lending rate by 300 basis points to 20 per cent, the highest in Asia.

(With inputs from PTI).