A day after his detention on corruption accusations provoked widespread demonstrations, Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, made an appearance before a judge.
According to authorities, about 1,000 individuals have been detained since Mr. Khan was detained in Islamabad on claims he vigorously rejects.
The indictment followed a decision by the Election Commission of Pakistan last October which found Khan guilty of illegally selling state gifts and barred him from holding public office until the next election.
The chief of the main opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has denied any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, the NAB court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on the agency’s plea to remand Khan to 14 days in custody.
The detention further intensified Mr. Khan’s political conflict with Pakistan’s ruthless military. If found guilty, he would be ineligible to run for office.
Following his detention on Tuesday, violent demonstrations erupted in a number of Pakistani towns, claiming at least two lives. Less than four years into his tenure as prime minister, the 70-year-old former international cricket player was removed from office in April.
At least two of the four provinces have asked the federal government to send soldiers to restore order as a result of the action taken by Pakistan’s anti-corruption committee, which has sparked violent demonstrations throughout the nation.
Glamour Adah
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