Authorities in Pakistan are seeking Imran Khan’s permission to search his home for supporters accused of attacking military facilities in last week’s unrest, in what appears to be a move to cool tensions between the former premier and his rivals.
(Bloomberg) — Authorities in Pakistan are seeking Imran Khan’s permission to search his home for supporters accused of attacking military facilities in last week’s unrest, in what appears to be a move to cool tensions between the former premier and his rivals.
A delegation will be sent to Khan’s Lahore residence after Friday prayers, according to Punjab minister Amir Mir. Khan, 70, had earlier defied a Thursday deadline set by the provincial government to hand over dozens of people accused of being involved in the violence.
Police remain outside the ex-cricket star’s heavily guarded compound. Khan has said he has nothing to hide and invited the media to check his residence in the upscale neighborhood of Zaman Park.
At least eight people were killed in clashes between Khan’s supporters and security forces after his arrest last week on corruption charges. The army has said those involved in targeting its installations would be tried in military courts.
Key Developments
(All times Pakistan local)
Courts Grant Khan Bail in Terror Cases (1:15 p.m.)
Two Lahore courts have granted Khan bail in four terrorism cases filed against him, his lawyer Rana Mubasher confirmed by phone.
The bail is set until June 2.
Police Arrest Six People Linked to Army Attacks (12:27 p.m.)
Lahore police say they have detained six Khan supporters as they were leaving the area where his house is located.
All six people are accused of being involved in attacks on military facilities in the city, according to a police statement.
This is second such arrest in the past two days.
Political Turmoil Weighs on Stock Market (12:00 p.m.)
Pakistan’s key stock index rose slightly by 0.15% in Friday’s first session after declining for two straight days.
“The intertwining of political dynamics and economic uncertainties, alongside the prevailing risk to law and order, is causing notable confusion and apprehension among market participants,” says Ali Raza, head of international equities trading at BMA Capital, in Karachi. The rupee is almost unchanged at 285.6 a dollar.
Hundreds of Police Enlisted for House Search (11:55 a.m.)
Some 400 police officers are set to take part in a search of Khan’s residence.
The mission will be led by the Lahore commissioner, who will meet Khan first, Punjab’s information minister said in a phone message.
The meeting will be held after Friday prayers, Amir Mir added.
Khan Arrives in Court to Seek Bail in Terror Cases (10:20 a.m.)
Khan is seeking bail from a special court in Lahore in several terrorism cases that he faces, Salman Safdar, a lawyer on his legal team said by phone.
Khan has previously denied the allegations and called them politically motivated. The former cricketer faces nearly 150 cases — ranging from corruption to murder — since his ouster from power last year.
Later in the day he’s expected to go to Lahore High Court, seeking protection from arrest in several other cases.
President Asks Khan to Condemn May 9 Events (11:30 p.m.)
President Arif Alvi says Imran Khan should openly condemn the violence on May 9, in which military and state properties were attacked.
Alvi, who is allied with Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, made the comments on a Geo News program.
Authorities Will Seek to Search Khan’s Lahore Home (10:05 p.m.)
The Punjab government says police will be sent to search Khan’s Lahore residence on Friday, to look for supporters who officials accuse of being involved in attacks on military facilities, Amir Mir, provincial information minister, told Geo TV.
A team led by the city commissioner will seek Khan’s consent for the search. Mir said. Police arrested at least eight people leaving his residence Wednesday evening.
Loyalists Exit Khan’s Party as Clash With Army Deepens (3:55 p.m.)
Khan’s former climate minister Malik Amin Aslam has quit the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, he said at a press conference, the latest high profile member to leave the party citing the violence last week that targeted army property.
More than a dozen senior members have left over the past week, according to their social media posts or news reports.
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