Pakistani Court bars Police from arresting Imran in contempt case

PAKISTAN: A Pakistani Court on August 25 extended former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s protection from arrest through the end of the month, officials said, after police filed terrorism charges against the country’s popular opposition leader.

The decision effectively shields Khan from arrest until September 1 over accusations that during a speech last weekend, he threatened police officers and a female judge — remarks that triggered the terrorism charges.

The decision also temporarily alleviates concerns of violent clashes between police and supporters of the former premier. Khan has been leading mass rallies and seeking early elections since he was ousted in April in a no-confidence vote in Parliament. The government says elections will be held as scheduled next year.

Outside the anti-terrorism court on August 25, Khan told reporters that he had never threatened anyone. He also said the terrorism charges against him were politically motivated and that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s government fears Khan’s growing popularity.

“You are making fun of Pakistan,” he said of Sharif’s Government. The former Prime Minister’s lawyer Babar Awan said the terrorism charges filed against Khan were “an act of revenge.” – THE HINDU