Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan leaves high court after getting protection from arrest
Published:Friday | May 12, 2023 | 3:55 PM
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan left a high court in Islamabad on Friday after being granted broad protection from arrest in multiple legal cases against him.
The ruling struck a blow to the government in a stand-off that has sparked days of rioting by Khan's followers and raised the sceptre of widespread unrest in the country.
After the court granted him bail, Khan spent hours more in the building, as he and his legal team were locked in apparent negotiations over his exit from the site.
As he headed to his home in the eastern city of Lahore, Khan put out a video statement from his vehicle saying the Islamabad police tried to keep him within the courthouse through different tactics, and authorities allowed him to travel only when he threatened to tell the public he was being held there against his will.
Security was extremely tight around the court ahead of Khan's departure as authorities have expressed concerns for the former leader's safety.
In the evening, shots were heard in the area of the courthouse. Police were investigating who opened fire, the interior minister said.
Clashes between his supporters and police have periodically erupted outside the building.
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