Supreme Court rules Imran Khan's arrest was illegal.

ISLAMABAD -- After two days of deadly clashes between police and Pakistan Tehreek: e: Insaf (PTI) supporters, the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek: e: Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on corruption charges was illegal. Now, Imran is under the protection of the Supreme Court.

The top court also ordered that the former prime minister 'shall remain in the premises of the Police Lines Guest House,' until his today's appearance in Islamabad High Court. The police are directed to ensure foolproof security for Imran.

At least 10 people were killed and dozens others injured during violent protests which took place in several cities across the country following the arrest of the PTI leader. Police arrested over 2,000 'miscreants' during the crackdown.

"Your arrest was invalid so the whole process needs to be backtracked," Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial told Imran Khan. The chief justice called the PTI chairman to the rostrum and said there had been incidents of violence after his arrest and the court wanted peace in the country. He said when a person came to the court of law it meant that he had surrendered himself before the court. Subsequently, the court termed PTI Chief Imran Khan's arrest unlawful, asking him to approach the IHC on Friday. During the hearing, Imran Khan urged his supporters and party workers to avoid violence and remain calm and peaceful. He also asked his supporters not to damage any property whether it is public or private. A three: member special bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Athar Minallah conducted hearing of the PTI petition on Imran Khan's arrest from the premises of the IHC on May 9.

The bench said the State is not allowed to arrest anyone from the Court premises and if the Court passes an order against the accused then he could be arrested. It further said that deployment of the security forces within the Court would be with the approval of the Registrar of the Supreme/ High Court.

The apex court stated in its written order that the manner of execution of the arrest warrant issued by the Chairman, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) dated 01.05.2023 in the Al: Qadir Trust case within the premises of the Islamabad High Court against petitioner is 'invalid and unlawful.'

It added, 'The execution of said warrant violated the petitioner's right of access to justice and the sanctity...