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Pakistan
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Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan granted court protection against arrest

  • The High Court in Lahore on Monday granted protective bail, providing Khan respite from arrest for two weeks
  • Khan has had a number of cases registered against him, ranging from gathering illegal funds for his political party to inciting violence against state officials

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Pakistan’s ousted prime minister Imran Khan arrives at Lahore High Court in Pakistan on Monday. Photo: AFP
Reuters
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was granted protective bail by a court in the eastern city of Lahore on Monday, providing him respite from arrest for two weeks in a case that involves charges under the country’s anti-terrorism laws.
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Khan has had a number of cases registered against him since a parliamentary vote ousted him from power last year. The cases range from gathering illegal funds for his political party to inciting violence against state officials.

Supporters of Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan escort a vehicle amid security as he arrives at the High Court in Lahore, Pakistan on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Supporters of Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan escort a vehicle amid security as he arrives at the High Court in Lahore, Pakistan on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Khan appeared before the Lahore High Court late on Monday along with hundreds of supporters, witnesses said.

“In the interest of justice, we are inclined to grant him ad-interim anticipatory bail protective in nature until 03.03.2023 to enable him to approach the court of first instance,” read a one-page order seen by Reuters.

The case pertained to alleged violence by his supporters during protests last year, which Khan is charged with inciting.

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Before Monday, Khan’s lawyers had pressed for immunity from appearing in person, citing health and security concerns. The court had rejected these requests.

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