Police 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 the authorities.
A delegation will be sent to Khan’s Lahore residence in Punjab after Friday prayers, according to provincial government minister Amir Mir. Earlier, the Punjab government had given Khan, 70, a Thursday deadline to hand over dozens of people involved in last weeks arrest, which he defied.
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 violent 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)
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.
Provincial Government to Plan Strategy After Khan Defies Orders (3:18 p.m.)
The chief minister of Punjab province will consult his cabinet ministers and security officials later Thursday to chalk out a strategy after Khan defied its orders to hand over supporters the administration alleges were involved in attacks on military facilities, Amir Mir, Punjab information minister, said in a text message.
