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Pakistan Latest: Top Court to Hear Imran Khan Arrest Appeal
(Bloomberg) -- Pakistan’s Supreme Court will hear former premier Imran Khan’s appeal against his arrest later Thursday even as countrywide protests over his detention by the anti-graft agency continue to simmer.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a televised speech Wednesday that the protesters were committing “an act of terrorism” while the military warned that stern action would be taken against those damaging state and army property.
At least seven people were killed in the past two days and scores more injured in protests and clashes with security forces since Khan was picked up by paramilitary soldiers on Tuesday. A special court has granted the National Accountability Bureau eight days of custody to investigate the corruption charges Khan’s being held under.
The escalation in violence comes as Pakistan’s economy is in deep distress. Moody’s Investors Service has warned the nation could default without an International Monetary Fund bailout as its financing options beyond June are uncertain.
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(All times Pakistan local)
Supreme Court to Hear Khan’s Appeal Against Arrest (12:26 p.m.)
Khan’s lawyer, Intazar Hussain Panjhuta, said the hearing is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. local time.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, has played a key role in the political crisis after ruling that local elections in Punjab province should go ahead on May 14, going against the government and the Election Commission’s move to postpone.
Pakistan VPN Demand Continues to Soar (12:10 p.m.)
The demand for virtual private networks was 13 times higher than the 28-day average before the government put in place mobile data and social media blocks, according to day-end stats on May 10, according to data from Top10VPN, an independent VPN review website.
Pakistan Rupee Hits New Low, Dollar Bonds Fall (10:11 a.m.)
The rupee fell 1% to a new all-time low of 293 a dollar at 10:11 a.m. Dollar bonds due 2031 fell to the lowest since November on Thursday and were indicated at 33.10 cents on the dollar.
Pakistan Stocks Rise Most in Three Weeks (9:57 a.m.)
The nation’s benchmark KSE-100 index gained 1%, the most since April 20, after IMF assured that it remains engaged with Pakistan for its loan program. This upside can be short-lived since the political situation remains bleak, said Adnan Khan, head of international sales at Intermarket Securities, in Karachi.
Several Senior Leaders From Khan’s Party Detained (8:32 a.m.)
The detentions of senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders continued late into the night Wednesday, Khan’s party said. The detainees include former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, general secretary Asad Umar, and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry.
The leaders were picked up for fanning violence and arson attacks, Islamabad police spokesman Taqi Jawad said Thursday.
IMF Continues Engagement with Pakistan on Current Loan Deal (12:28 a.m.)
The IMF remains engaged with Pakistan on securing funding and policy assurances with the goal of reaching an agreement on the ninth review of the $6.7 billion loan agreed in 2019, a spokesperson said in an emailed response to a Bloomberg query.
IMF data shows the loan has about $2.6 billion remaining to disburse, with the program expiring at the end of June.
The fund declined to comment on Khan’s arrest.
Imran Khan Supporters Rally in London for His Release (12:15 a.m.)
Protesters rallied outside the Pakistani Embassy in London to call for Imran Khan’s release, as the former prime minister’s arrest reverberated across the country’s large overseas population.
More than 150 people gathered near the Pakistan High Commission on Wednesday, shouting “Long live Imran Khan,” and other messages of support for the jailed cricket star-turned-political leader.
Government Calls in Army to Islamabad and Two Provinces (11:00 p.m.)
Police in Islamabad said in a tweet the Pakistan army will be reaching the capital to maintain public order.
The Interior Ministry approved military deployment in the most populous province of Punjab, as well as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, following a deterioration of law and order in major cities, Dawn reported, citing a notice from the government.
Prime Minister Calls Damage From Protesters ‘Terrorism’ (10:40 p.m.)
Sharif said in a speech Wednesday night that protesters are committing an “act of terrorism” by damaging public and private property.
“Such a spectacle has never been witnessed in the last 75 years. The people were made hostages in their vehicles, patients were taken out of the ambulances and, later, those vehicles were torched.”
The prime minister returned from London Wednesday, where he had traveled for King Charles III coronation ceremony.
Pakistan Army Issues Warning to Rioters (6:14 p.m.)
The army said “stern action” would be taken against those found rioting and damaging state and military property. Violent protests that erupted Tuesday night continued to simmer into Wednesday.
“Any further attacks on the army, law enforcement agencies, state and army installations will be met with a strong response,” it said in a statement issued hours after Khan was sent to the custody of the anti-graft agency.
Special Court Sends Khan to Graft Agency Custody for 8 Days (4:38 p.m.)
Khan’s legal representatives will “see next course of action,” soon, his lawyer Khawaja Harris said. The politician will be produced before the court on May 17, the anti-graft agency said.
Earlier Wednesday, Khan was also formally indicted on charges he hid earnings from the sale of state gifts acquired during his time in office, according to Amjad Pervez, a lawyer for the Election Commission of Pakistan that brought the case against the politician.
Imran Khan Declared Fit After Routine Medical Check, Report Says (1:00 p.m.)
The former premier was taken for a medical check up soon after his arrest and was declared physically fit, Geo TV reported citing unnamed officials.
--With assistance from Leonora Campbell.
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