Pakistani police enter Imran Khan’s home as he appears in court, party says

Pakistani police entered the property of the former prime minister Imran Khan in Lahore, officials from his political party said, as he was appearing in court in the capital, Islamabad.

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

Khan was facing charges in the Islamabad court of unlawfully selling state gifts given to him by foreign dignitaries while in office.

Hours earlier at his home in Lahore, the former cricketer told Reuters he had formed a committee to lead his party if he was arrested.

He has led nationwide protests after he was ousted from power last year and a spate of cases have been registered against him.

Khan, who was shot and wounded while campaigning in November, said in an interview the threat to his life was greater than before and added – without providing evidence – that his political opponents and the military want to block him from standing in elections later this year.

The military and government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Security was tight around the judicial complex where Khan, 70, arrived in a motorcade surrounded by supporters.

The court previously issued arrest warrants for Khan in the case as he had failed to appear on previous hearings despite summons.