The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered the immediate release of former cricketer and Prime Minister Imran Khan. Imran was arrested earlier this week by Pakistan Rangers, a paramilitary federal law enforcement corps. The Honorable Supreme Court declared Imran Khan’s arrest as unlawful.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Umar Ata Bandial ordered the immediate release of Imran Khan after it was observed that the warrants through which his arrest was made were declared null and void. Imran Khan will now face legal proceedings as he will be transferred to a guesthouse in Islamabad Police Headquarters. He will appear in front of the Islamabad High Court on Friday which had termed his arrest as legal. Notably, Imran was facing allegations against him in relation to the Al Qadir University that was incubated during his tenure in 2019. It is believed that Khan was not arrested in regards to that case but due to his involvement in some other case.
Imran Khan’s arrest led to widespread criticism across the Nation
Imran’s arrest led to widespread criticism across Pakistan as the manner in which his arrest was made by the paramilitary forces was unjustified. The arrest by Pakistani Rangers had been violent where Imran was reportedly beaten with sticks. Imran Khan was held and questioned by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The Islamabad High Court had announced a physical remand for eight days. However, he appealed against the same and was granted immediate relief. Imran Khan has been under the radar of the incumbent Pakistan government. He has been framed in multiple corruption cases and has been in investigations since his first arrest in March 2023. Khan has been actively reporting and presenting himself in front of all the authorities.
Notably, Imran Khan’s arrest had led to widespread protests and violence in the country. Mobile internet services were suspended in prominent parts of the country. A total of 12 people have reportedly been killed in violence-related incidents since his arrest. After the Supreme Court’s relief to Imran Khan, the protesters celebrated outside his residence in Islamabad.
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