Police raid Khan’s house as the ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan goes to court

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Police are sealing parts of Islamabad and deploying thousands of officers to court on corruption charges.

Pakistani police entered former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s property in Lahore, officials from his political party said, as he made his way to the capital, Islamabad, for a trial.

The move on Saturday followed days of standoff and intense clashes between police and his supporters around the property, where police had tried to arrest Khan on Tuesday.

Khan said in a tweet that his wife was at the property. He appeared in court after expressing fear of arrest.

In Islamabad, police sealed off parts of the capital and deployed thousands of police officers to the hearing on corruption charges after he evaded arrest amid violent clashes for a week.

Residents near the city’s judicial complex have been asked to stay indoors, political activities and gatherings have been banned, and cars were checked before entering the capital.

“We have deployed heavy security to ensure that his life is not threatened,” Islamabad police chief Akbar Nasir said ahead of the hearing.

Meanwhile, Khan said he has formed a committee to run his party if he is arrested.

“I have created a committee that will of course make decisions – if – I am in jail,” the 70-year-old said in an interview at his home in Lahore before leaving for Islamabad. He said there were 94 cases against him.

More to follow.