In a Solomonic decision, Pakistan’s Supreme Court declared the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan “invalid” but reiterated his stay in police facilities in Islamabad until he is heard in court again on Friday. Khan’s arrest sparked days of protests, some of which escalated into violence, with at least 10 people killed and 2,000 arrested, including the former foreign minister.
“His detention was invalid, so the entire process should be annulled,” said Supreme Court president Umar Ata Bandial. Khan has been ordered to remain in custody for his own safety and under police protection until he appears at another hearing today. “What we are proposing is that the Islamabad police take care of security and everything [Khan] provide a list of immediate family members and lawyers who may be found in police facilities,” Bandial said.
Source: DN
