Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and chief of the Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has been given two weeks’ bail in the Al Qadir Trust case by the Islamabad High Court. The bail was granted today by a two-member special division bench, comprising Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Saman Imtiaz, who presided over the hearing.
Earlier today, Imran was surrounded by a huge crowd, including security personnel, when he arrived at the Islamabad High Court, from where he was snatched by the Pakistani paramilitary on Tuesday, triggering nationwide clashes and worldwide protests. Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Pakistan called his arrest “illegal” and ordered his release. The SC also told Imran to present himself at the Islamabad High Court, and he did so today.
Imran had originally come to the Islamabad High Court in relation to the legal action against him, in which he stands accused of corruption, and his biometrics were being taken just inside the court premises, when the paramilitary Rangers stormed in and arrested him.
Imran, 70, said after his release that he was treated like a terrorist when he was arrested, and was beaten while in custody until he collapsed.
His supporters, furious with the arrest, had stormed the Pakistan army headquarters, set fire to a Corps Commander’s house, and torched police vehicles, acts that the army condemned.
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The former PM and the celebrated former captain of the Pakistan cricket team was arrested ostensibly on corruption charges, but it is widely believed that the shock-and-awe manner of the arrest was because Imran had fallen foul of the army.