Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Pakistan politics: Imran Khan granted new bail as army vows to 'tighten noose'

Cases are registered against the former prime minister under the anti-terrorism legislation

Pakistan politics: Imran Khan granted new bail as army vows to 'tighten noose'

FORMER Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan had his bail renewed in over a dozen cases on Thursday, a month after his three-day detention sparked violence, thousands of arrests, and the resignations of much of his party's leadership.

The 70-year-old former international cricket star, facing more than 150 cases registered against him since his ousting in April last year, appeared at two courts in the capital, Islamabad.

"Imran Khan is granted bail till June 19 in eight cases registered against him under the anti-terrorism legislation," one of his lawyers, Sher Afzal Marwat, said.

Gohar Khan, another lawyer, said a different court had extended bail in nine other cases.

His arrest and detention following a court appearance last month sparked nationwide protests - including a mob torching the residence of a senior army commander.

Pakistan has been mired in economic and political crisis for over a year, with little respite expected ahead of an election that must be held by mid-October.

Khan appeared to be riding a wave of popularity towards those polls, holding huge rallies across the country, sweeping a string of by-elections, and vilifying authorities in addresses to the nation broadcast nightly on social media.

But the violence following his arrest - particularly targeting military installations - led to a sweeping crackdown that threatens his political survival and that of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

The army holds undue influence over Pakistan politics, having staged at least three successful coups leading to decades of martial law.

On Wednesday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) - the military's publicity wing - vowed to tighten "the noose of law" around those involved in violence.

Following a meeting of the army's top commanders, a statement said the "ill design of inimical forces will be dealt with iron hands".

Thousands have already been arrested, with some facing trial by military courts - a process condemned by local and international rights groups.

Khan denies inciting the violence and says attacks against military targets were "black ops" to give authorities an excuse to arrest him and outlaw his party.

"I want to tell my nation that I am ready to face jail... I will never bow down to this unfair and autocratic regime," he said on Wednesday in his latest address broadcast on YouTube.

"I also request you not to bow down, as the moment you succumb to this unjust and autocratic rule, the existence of our nation will be jeopardised."

Mass resignations have left Khan increasingly isolated at his home in the eastern city of Lahore, from where he ventures out only for court appearances.

On Wednesday several senior politicians who quit PTI in recent weeks announced the formation of a new party, Istehkam-e-Pakistan - the Pakistan Stability party.

Khan's latest court appearance comes a day before the government is due to present its 2023-24 budget before the national assembly.

GDP growth was just 0.3 per cent against a target of five percent, while industrial output, agriculture and exports all fell well short of targets.

Pakistan's year-on-year inflation hit a record 37.97 per cent in May, official data revealed last week, with the nation on the brink of economic collapse and crucial IMF bailout talks stalled.

(AFP)

More For You

Nepal’s new leader pledges to act on Gen Z calls to end corruption

Officials greet newly-elected Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government Sushila Karki (R) as she arrives at the prime minister's office in Kathmandu on September 14, 2025. (Photo by PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Nepal’s new leader pledges to act on Gen Z calls to end corruption

NEPAL’s new interim prime minister Sushila Karki on Sunday (14) pledged to act on protesters’ calls to end corruption and restore trust in government, as the country struggles with the aftermath of its worst political unrest in decades.

“We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation,” Karki said in her first address to the nation since taking office on Friday (12). “What this group is demanding is the end of corruption, good governance and economic equality. We will not stay here more than six months in any situation. We will complete our responsibilities and hand over to the next parliament and ministers.”

Keep ReadingShow less
UK secures £1.25bn US investment ahead of Trump’s visit

US president Donald Trump and UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer arrive at Trump International Golf Links on July 28, 2025 in Balmedie, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

UK secures £1.25bn US investment ahead of Trump’s visit

THE British government has announced over £1.25 billion ($1.69bn) in fresh investment from major US financial firms, including PayPal, Bank of America, Citigroup and S&P Global, ahead of a state visit by president Donald Trump.

The investment is expected to create 1,800 jobs across London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester, and deepen transatlantic financial ties, the Department for Business and Trade said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nearly 150,000 join anti-migrant protest in London as clashes erupt

Protesters wave Union Jack and St George's England flags during the "Unite The Kingdom" rally on Westminster Bridge by the Houses of Parliament on September 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Nearly 150,000 join anti-migrant protest in London as clashes erupt

MORE THAN 100,000 protesters marched through central London on Saturday (13), carrying flags of England and Britain and scuffling with police in one of the UK's biggest right-wing demonstrations of modern times.

London's Metropolitan Police said the "Unite the Kingdom" march, organised by anti-immigrant activist Tommy Robinson, was attended by nearly 150,000 people, who were kept apart from a "Stand Up to Racism" counter-protest attended by around 5,000.

Keep ReadingShow less
Piyush Goyal

Piyush Goyal recalled that in February, Narendra Modi and Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Trade talks with US moving forward positively, says Indian minister Goyal

INDIA’s commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that negotiations on the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States, which began in March, are progressing in a positive atmosphere and both sides are satisfied with the discussions.

He recalled that in February, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and US president Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less
West Midlands Police

West Midlands Police said they were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday, September 9, after the woman reported being attacked by two men near Tame Road. (Representational image: iStock)

Woman raped in racially aggravated attack in Oldbury

A WOMAN in her 20s was raped in Oldbury in what police are treating as a racially aggravated attack.

West Midlands Police said they were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday, September 9, after the woman reported being attacked by two men near Tame Road. Officers said the men made a racist remark during the incident.

Keep ReadingShow less