Imran Khan

The government has vowed to find a way to get the former PM back into custody, which would spur violent protests again.

His arrest sparked violence earlier this week and now Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ruled it illegal.

The arrests followed mob attacks on government buildings, military installations, and public places in response to Khan’s arrest on Tuesday.

His supporters’ attacks on army installations set a dangerous precedent and will further erode the military’s support for the former PM and his party.

The popular former prime minister faces multiple cases relating to corruption and terrorism charges.

The last year has been been a microcosm of Pakistan’s seven decades of dysfunction, now culminating in ambiguity over the most fundamental of democratic exercises: holding an election. 

Top politicians have openly said that the current face-off between the ruling coalition and the opposition is a do-or-die battle, where only one side can survive.

Khan isn’t just a threat to the current government; he threatens the entire governance system instituted by the Pakistani military.

Khan will be able to avoid arrest until at least March 27 amid accusations that he incited supporters to violence in last week’s clashes with police.

After the former PM failed to appear in a court in Islamabad to be indicted on graft charges Friday, Pakistani police moved to arrest Khan, triggering a clash with supporters outside his home.

The government is unhappy with President Alvi’s announcement and the Supreme Court directive to hold elections for two provincial assemblies in a few months.

The former prime minister's party has been accused of trying to force early elections by creating political chaos.